"You little know what you are in for. I would not make a trip to Australia in the 'Golden Land' for a hundred pounds, how the deuce Seagrave manages to get the old tub out there safely beats me. She'll go down for certain before long. I hope it will not be this trip."
Captain Seagrave was in a jovial frame of mind, and he liked his company. He admired pluck and knew his companions had plenty of it, or they would not have ventured on such a trip without asking a few more questions.
"What sort of a steamer is the 'Golden Land'?" asked Jack.
Job Seagrave smiled as he replied:
"She's not what you'd call a floating palace; every time I sail in her I fancy it will be her last voyage, but she holds well together, and I know how to handle her, although she has as many humours as a thoroughbred."
Jack laughed as he said—
"I judge from that remark you are fond of racing."
"Yes, my lad, I am, and not above winning a trifle, or losing it."
"I ride in races sometimes."
The skipper turned an admiring glance on him.