Barry laughed.
"I never knew a sailor to be overburdened with that commodity," he said.
"By jove, you are right," said Job, "it's the worst paid job a man can go in for. Look at me; here have I been in the line for how many years."
"Fifty!" interrupted Barry.
Job shook his fist at him.
"Half that, my boy; let us say half, and I have risen to be what?"
"Skipper of the beautiful modern steamer, the 'Golden Land,'" said Mac quietly.
"Yes, Mr. Macdonald, you have hit it; that's the truth. I am the captain of this most admirable craft, and I have every reason to believe I shall end my days on her—at the bottom of the sea," said Job.
"And yet with all its drawbacks and disadvantages I have never met a good sailor—like yourself, skipper—who wishes to give up the sea," remarked Barry.
Jack had made up his mind.