“No. I was too eager, and consequently careless, pressed forward, tripped, and should have set fire to the ship had I swooned, for I was alone and the fall flung the lighted lantern from me, and the candle lay naked and burning among the cases.”
“Lord, how suddenly will a trifle become a frightful thing at sea!” said I.
“Where is the Spanish lady, Fielding?”
“In her berth, and perhaps asleep, sir.”
“Well,” said he, after a pause, “the dollars are there.”
“I am glad to hear it, sir,” said I, feeling the blood in my cheek, for I own that the news worked as a sort of transport in me.
“This cursed accident will hinder me from superintending the unlading of the vessel. You must undertake that job.”
“You can trust me, captain.”
“Up to the hilt I do. Open that drawer, and hand me the pocket-book you’ll see.” His extending his hand to receive the book made him wince. “There are a hundred and forty cases,” said he. “You will take slings and tackles to hoist the cases out and lower them over the side into the boat. Be careful not to overload your boat. The money may be safely transhipped in three journeys; so divide one hundred and forty by three and your quotient is your lading for each trip.”
“Ay, ay, sir.”