"That's my business! I've got her; she belongs to me, individually; and now I want to hire a crew. Will you ship as first mate?"
"I think not!" said the fisher-boy, shaking his head, doubtfully.
"What's the reason? I'll give you a dollar a day, and I know that's more than you can make by sawing wood."
"Has your father bought—"
"O, now, never mind talking about my father!" drawled Tom, impatiently. "It is enough for you to know that the yacht is mine, and that I am able to hire you. Will you go?"
"No; I think I had better stay ashore!" said the fisher-boy. "You're a regular Jonah, Tom, and, to tell the truth, I am afraid of you. I wonder that they didn't have to throw you overboard from the Savannah when you made your voyage to Callao."
"O, now, look here, Bob Jennings!" whined Tom, "I want you to quit calling me a Jonah! If you are afraid to ship with me, I can find some one else. I have tried to help you along in the world, but I'll never make you another offer as long as I live."
So saying, he turned angrily on his heel and left the fisher-boy, who again turned his attention to his wood-pile. Tom bent his steps toward Mr. Graves's ship-yard, and the first thing he saw, as he entered the gate, was the Storm King, riding proudly at her moorings in the harbor, with her sails hoisted, all ready for the start. Three or four men, who comprised the crew that was to manage her during the trial trip, were lounging about the decks, and Mr. Graves stood on the beach talking to a crowd of eager, excited boys, who were examining the yacht with critical eyes, and begging the boat-builder to reveal to them the name of the owner. Although Tom could not hear what was said, he had no difficulty in guessing the subject of the conversation, and his heart swelled high within him when he thought what a commotion would be occasioned in that crowd of boys, when it became known that he was the captain and owner. Drawing himself up to his full height, throwing back his shoulders, and assuming what he considered to be a very commanding air, he walked leisurely down to the beach. The boys, seeing him approach, made way for him, and Mr. Graves called out:
"Good morning, captain! We are all ready, as you see."