"If you please—"
"No, I sha'n't let your courage and skill be doubted for a moment, even by yourself. The captain who chose you for mate is a man who knew what he was about; I can tell you that."
"But that is not the question," said Shandon, impatiently.
"What is it, then? Don't keep me anxious any longer."
"But you won't let me say a word. Tell me, Doctor, if you please, how you came to join this expedition of the Forward?"
"By a letter, a capital letter; here it is,—the letter of a brave captain, very short, but very full."
With these words he handed Shandon a letter running as follows:—
INVERNESS, January 22, 1860.
To DR. CLAWBONNY, Liverpool.
If Dr. Clawbonny wishes to sail on the Forward for a long voyage, he can present himself to the mate, Richard Shandon, who has been advised concerning him.