THE MAN FROM ABO
William, or, as he was usually called, Bill, Noyes, was a citizen of the United States, and, like most citizens of that part of the Western Continent, he was accustomed to do as he "darned pleased." But besides being an American citizen, he was an American shipmaster, and such are accustomed to having their own way and giving no one else a chance. He explained this to the crowd in the State of Oregon, bound from San Francisco to Bordeaux, with wine which was going to be converted into claret. For this was some time ago, before the wine-growers there had it all their own way in the French Republic.
"You're dogs, and I'm the man with the whip. You're hogs, and I'm your driver. I'm boss, and captain, and governor, and congress, and the senate, and the president, and don't any of you forget it! If I hadn't been brought up religious I'd go a step farther still. Let me hear a growl out of you, and I'll make you wish you were in hell. Do your duty, and I'll make this ship paradise. It shall be as sweet to you as a full roost of chickens to a buck nigger on a dark night. I'm a good man, I am, and I know it. You'll know it, too. I'll see to that. Now then, Mr. Bragg, start them to. D'ye see that damned Dutchman? He looks as if he didn't understand 'United States.' Jolt him on the jaw for me!"
And the unfortunate Dutchman, who was really a Finn from Abo, got a crack with a closed fist that made him see more stars than even the American flag of liberty can boast.
"What for? I done nuttin'," he yelled, as he put his hand to his head; but never another man opened his mouth.
"Say another word," said Bragg, "and I'll ram a belaying-pin crossways down your throat," and this was the beginning.
"Very good indeed," said Noyes. "Now every one understands, Mr. Bragg, and no one can say everything warn't explained to them clearly. Work the drink out of 'em. I'm for a holy, healthy, happy crew."
And Noyes went below for a drink. He was, as he often said, a sober man.
"One tot every time the bell strikes, and two at eight-bells, and as a man can't sleep and drink, I take what I should take before I turn in."