“Fret Offut is a bully and a fool,” said Mr. North, who was a blunt-spoken man. “He will never get along in life.”
Jack had spoken without knowing the truth. He was not to get rid of Fret Offut just yet, as we shall soon see.
Chapter V
On the Island of Robinson Crusoe
Ho! for South America!
Bravely did the good steamer Standish keep on her long, and, at times, stormy voyage to the far distant shore of Western South America. She escaped the severest storms of the Northern Atlantic, Grossed the equatorial line in fine shape, and stemmed the farious wrath of Cape Horn in safety. But every one on board felt freer and in better spirits, when at last they entered the Pacific regions where storms are of rare occurrence.
The steamer’s destination was Valparaiso, Chili, and the commander talked of getting into port shortly.
Among those looking most hopefully forward to the termination of the voyage was our hero, who had been sent by his employers on the responsible errand of seeing that one of their engines was properly delivered and put into good running order. He fondly believed it was the great opportunity of his life.
He was never more surprised than he was upon finding at the last moment that Fret Offut had been delegated to accompany him as helper.
At first he could not believe it; but there the awkward youth was, and that he was sent for that purpose was plainly indicated by the order from John Fowler & Co.