'But it promises a fair night,' said I.
'I hope so,' he exclaimed. 'Dirty weather don't agree with dirty skins.'
He turned on his heel and resumed his post on the weather-side of the deck.
'Dirty skins mean Malays in that chief mate's nautical dictionary,' said I.
'Hugh, how thankful I shall be when we are transferred to another ship!'
'Ay, indeed! but surely this is better than the lugger?'
'No! I would rather be in the lugger.'
'How now?' cried I. 'We are very well treated here. Surely the Captain has been all hospitality. No warm-hearted host ashore could do more. Why, here is he now at this moment superintending the arrangement of our cabins below to ensure our comfort!'
'I do not like him at all!' said she, in a tone which her slightly Danish accent rendered emphatic.
'I do not like his treatment of the men,' said I; 'but he is kind to us.'