“Forty-four years.”
“And you are at Port Egmont?”
“I shall have been there three years, come Christmas.”
“Did you expect to get on a passing whale-ship?”
“No.”
“Then what were you doing here?”
“Nothing, and I did not think of going to sea again.”
“Then why seek a berth?”
“Just an idea. The news of the expedition your schooner is going on was spread. I desire, yes, I desire to take part in it—with your leave, of course.”
“You are known at Port Egmont?”