"Perhaps I would," answered Kendall, thoughtfully; and the place was certainly very inviting to him.
"They say the after cabin is a perfect little palace."
"I dare say it is."
"You can just as well go in there, if you like."
"I don't see how that can be. I don't think I'm fit to be an officer. I am from Cincinnati, and I never saw a ship till I came east three weeks ago."
"None of the fellows know anything about a ship. All of us will have to learn."
"Carnes knows all about one."
"No, he don't. He made one voyage, and knows just enough to talk salt. He's a good fellow enough, but he isn't fit for captain. If you want to be an officer, Kendall, and have a berth in the after cabin, you can, just as well as not."
"Well, I would like such a place; I can't deny it; but I don't think the fellows will go for me."
"They will, if you say so."