"My wery good friend," said De Courcy, taking the boatswain affectionately by the hand, "'ave you the serious intention of perwiding a fellow 'uman being with such han houtfit, and consigning him to the mercy of the wast and 'eaving hocean?"
"Them's the orders, sir."
"I then demand to see the captain of this willainous craft hinstantaneously."
"All right, sir. Dicky Drake, jist tell the skipper as how the gentleman wants to bid him good-by."
The message was sent, and Captain Joker made his appearance almost immediately. His face was beaming with cordial farewells as he advanced with outstretched hand toward the dumfounded De Courcy.
"Good-by! good-by, my dear fellow, and a prosperous voyage!" he exclaimed, shaking him warmly by the hand.
"Captain, I vant to know as 'ow—"
"No thanks! no thanks! my dear sir: I make you a present of the boat. There, there, good-by!" and the captain, in the zeal of his farewell, almost thrust the poor fellow over the bulwarks.
"But," persisted the latter, "I vant to know as 'ow—"
"I tell you I will not hear any thanks at all! There, there, farewell!"