[CHAPTER XIV]
OVERBOARD IN THE NORTH PACIFIC
As the mate’s boat approached the Seamew at the conclusion of that first day’s hunt, its occupants saw that the other two boats were already alongside, and that their cargoes were being transferred to the schooner’s deck.
“They’ve beaten us,” said Phil, despondently, as he noted the number of skins being handed up over the side. “I declare luck seems to be dead set against me!”
“If you only hadn’t lost the tooth,” murmured Serge.
“I’m glad I have,” replied the other, sharply, as he caught these words. “I’m glad I haven’t got it now, too, because there is no such thing as luck, and I’ll prove it to you yet by getting more seals than both those fellows put together, even without any wretched tooth to help me.”
“I’m sorry, then, that I ever gave it to you,” retorted Serge, angrily.
“So am I; and after this I hope you will keep your witch charms to yourself.”
“Hello, for’ard there!” cried Jalap Coombs, whose quick ear detected the angry tones, though he could not distinguish the words of their conversation. “What’s to pay? You two aren’t quarrelling, be ye? I hope not, for, as old Kite Roberson uster say, ‘Any man as will quarrel with a friend don’t desarve to have no friend.’ So kiss and make up, same as the little lambs does. I tell ye, lads,” he added, earnestly, “in this ’ere onsartin v’y’ge of life the wise sailor-man takes advantage of the fair breezes and smooth waters of friendship, while the swabs is forever bucking agin the cross-seas and head-winds of strife.”
Although both lads heard these words and appreciated their good sense, their anger still so rankled that they could not bring themselves to act upon the mate’s advice. So as their boat ranged alongside the schooner they sat in a moody silence, and it rested with Jalap Coombs to reply to the questioning hails regarding the success of their first day’s hunt.
“How many ye got?” shouted Ike Croly, from the deck.