"Those opposed say, No."
The crew were silent, and I was declared to be the choice of all hands. I did not feel equal to the position, and began to decline; but I was silenced, and with the best grace I could command, I accepted. The watches were then rearranged, so as to make them as nearly equal as possible, both in regard to numbers and seamanship.
CHAPTER XXII.
IN WHICH PHIL LAYS DOWN THE LAW, AND IS AFTERWARDS MUCH ALARMED.
"Now, my lads, we are in ship-shape and working order," said Captain York, after all the arrangements had been completed. "We have the bark; but what shall we do with her?"
"That's the question," replied Baxter. "I suppose we must lose our time and go on shore as poor as we came on board. But I would rather land in New York with only a shirt on my back than go a slaving."
"I say so too; but it is rather a hard case," added the new mate. "We have got our advance, and I suppose that's all we shall make out of this cruise."
"Perhaps not," I interposed.
"No matter whether it is so or not; I am satisfied," said Sanderson. "I wouldn't help take a cargo of niggers over to Cuba for all the money there is in New York. Their howls would haunt me to my dying day."