"That's so, lad. He don't expect ever to set eyes on you again."
Robert soon felt at home on the new vessel. Captain Smith he found to be a very different man from Captain Haley. When he heard the story told him by our hero, he said:
"I like your pluck, Robert. You've had contrary winds so far, but you've borne up against them. The wind's changed now, and you are likely to have a prosperous voyage. This Captain Haley is a disgrace to the service. He'll be overhauled some time."
"When I get back to New York I shall tell Mr. Morgan how he treated me."
"That will put a spoke in his wheel."
"There's one thing I want to speak to you about, Captain Smith. How much will my passage be?"
"Nothing at all."
"But I have some money with me. I am willing to pay."
"Keep your money, my lad. You will need it all before you get through. I was once a poor boy myself, obliged to struggle for my living. I haven't forgotten that time, and it makes me willing to lend a helping hand to others in the same position."
"You are very kind, Captain Smith," said Robert, gratefully.