CHAPTER IV.
VOYAGE OF THE "DUBLIN."—(Concluded.)
Genova la superba is renowned for its palaces, but, as seen from the harbor, the buildings of the city, apart from their grand and picturesque location, do not inspire one with much admiration.
After a visit on shore to the palaces and churches I was so charmed with what I had seen, that I was seized with an intense desire to see more of the renowned wonders of Italy, and I proposed to Mr. Morrison a plan for visiting Rome, and asked him what he thought of it?
"I don't see why you can't go, if you want to spend your money in that way," said Mr. Morrison. "The cargo is all discharged, and we've got to wait two or three weeks for our marble, so I think you can be spared as well as not. The only thing is to get on the right side of the old man, and you seem to understand that pretty well."
The next day with some fear and trembling I made my proposition to the captain, and excited the breeze I quite expected.
"I thought something of that sort would be coming soon," he said. "I believe nobody cares a curse for the ship except myself. I like to see my officers take an interest in their vessel, but I suppose it's of no use to hope for it. I was mate of a ship once for two years without setting foot on shore but once, and that was when I was sued for breaking an old shellback's head and had to go to court. I never knew Mr. Jones to ask for liberty all the time he was with me. He was a man who took pride in his ship."
"I am sure I feel an interest in the ship," said I, "but I've often heard you say yourself that going to sea is a dog's life, and I don't see why a man should be blamed for getting clear of it when he can do so without occasioning any disadvantage; and in this case I am sure I shall not be missed much, for Mr. Howard and Mr. Morrison both say they can get along without me."