Captain Brandon entered the cabin, carrying under his arm a cabin-boy’s suit.
“It’s time you entered upon your duties,” he said. “Put on these clothes.”
He expected a renewal of Harry’s remonstrances; but our hero had made up his mind what to do. It was no use crying over spilt milk. Since he was on board the Sea Eagle, however much against his will, he would make the best of a disagreeable position. He had confidence in the judgment and friendship of the supercargo, whom he liked, notwithstanding their brief acquaintance, and he resolved to accept the situation, and do his best in it. When, therefore, the captain held out the cabin-boy’s suit, Harry took it quietly, asking:—
“Where shall I put it on?”
“You can put it on here,” said the captain, looking at him curiously. Remembering the state of fiery indignation which our hero displayed a few minutes before, he was not prepared for this quiet acquiescence.
“So you’ve changed your mind, have you?” he asked.
“No, Captain Brandon,” answered Hurry, firmly. “I have been treacherously entrapped on board this vessel, and I remain here against my will; but as long as I stay I may as well have something to do. I will act as cabin-boy, and shall expect to receive a cabin-boy’s wages.”
“Well, I’m glad you’ve turned sensible,” said Brandon. “It would have been the worse for you if you hadn’t.”
“I don’t intend to deceive you as to my intentions, Captain Brandon,” continued Harry, boldly. “I mean to leave this ship the first chance I get.”
“That won’t be very soon,” sneered Brandon; “as I don’t expect to stop anywhere till I reach China. If you want to leave me there, I shan’t take any great pains to catch you.”