Oh, Massa, promises like pie crust—“made to be broken.” What Massa do when three hundred miles to sea, two or three hundred to do what de Captain says—Walt overboard—one man less, dat is all. Walt not missed—ship sail on. Captain don’t like you now—say you come out of de woods—don’t know anything. Stay on shore, Massa—stay wid Sambo an’ de cat. Captain tink you big baby—he say you kill panther and love cat.
Walter started for the parlor in an uneasy state of mind. As simple as Sambo was, he had succeeded in raising doubts in his mind, as to the propriety of his going to sea.
Captain Davis, I have the pleasure of introducing to you Walter Wallace, the boy I have told you so much about.
I am happy to meet and form your acquaintance, young man, and it will not be my fault if we do not become fast friends.
Walter took his hand timidly and said:
I trust such may be the case.
I learn from Mr. Webb that you would like to ship on board the Reindeer.
Mr. Webb has so advised me.
What position would you prefer?
Any that I am capable of filling, was his prompt reply.