"'What's it all about?' said I. 'I cannot understand what he means. I have done nothing wrong. I don't see why I should suddenly be treated in this way.'
"'It's all about your girl, Bill.'
"'Indeed!' said I. 'What can that have to do with the captain? he knows nothing of her.'
"'Oh, yes, he does,' he said. 'If it were not for you he would have the girl himself.'
"'I see now,' said I.
"'Ay, and so can a blind man if you open his eyes; but he wants to make you do wrong—to goad you on to do something that will give him the power of disgracing you, and, perhaps, of punishing you.'
"'He won't do that,' said I.
"'I am glad to hear you say so, Bill; for, to my mind, he has made up his mind to go the whole length against you. I can't make it out, unless he wishes you were dead.'
"'I dare say he does,' said I; 'but I will take care I will live to exact a reckoning when he comes ashore.'
"'That is the best; and when we are paid off, Bill, if you will take it out of him, and pay him off, why, I don't care if I lend you a hand.'