"I do not quite catch your meaning, Mr. Randall."
"Men who are little troubled by conscientious scruples, but are willing to undertake the most dangerous and illegal enterprises—for small consideration.
"I begin to understand you now," said the captain.
"Shall I proceed?"
"Do so."
The mate rightly construed this into an intimation that his proposition, though hinting at crime, would not prove distasteful to the captain. This, knowing the character of his superior officer, did not surprise him, and he proceeded.
"I think you apprehend my meaning, Captain Brace. This man is a thorn in our sides. He is exerting a bad influence on board the ship. He is undermining your influence with the crew."
"That is all true, Mr. Randall. What, then, is your advice in this state of affairs?"
"My advice is, that this fellow should be removed."