Mr. Dykes having been dismissed, chief-engineer McPhulach was summoned to the cabin. Asked his opinion of the men under him, his reply varied in terms but agreed in spirit with that already given by the mate.
"The scum of the bottomless pit," was how he put it.
"They may not be a liner's crew exactly," said Calamity in an almost gentle voice, "but I think we shall understand one another before long."
Whereat McPhulach departed with an almost happy smile and knocked down an insolent fireman for the good of his soul.
That evening, according to his promise, Captain Calamity arrived at Mr. Solomon's store, accompanied by Mr. Dykes, whom he duly introduced. This done, he informed his partner that he was sailing that night.
"Vat, so soon!" ejaculated Mr. Solomon.
"You don't want your capital lying idle longer than necessary, do you?"
"No, no, but——"
"Then sign these bills of lading and don't waste my time."
Mr. Solomon turned up the smoky little oil-lamp which inadequately illuminated the room, put on his spectacles, and proceeded to examine the papers Calamity had thrust before him. He scrutinised each one so long and so carefully that at last the Captain lost patience and swore he would not sail at all unless the remainder were signed without delay. So, much against his better judgment, Mr. Solomon put his name to the rest without doing more than glance over the contents.