‘The underwriters have it in their power to satisfy themselves,’ said Tom.
‘What are your firms?’ asked my uncle.
‘The Marine, the Alliance, and the General Maritime Insurance.’
‘That’s cover enough, captain,’ said my uncle, laughing.
‘Yes, and I mean to go to the Neptune for a policy on the freight. I have a considerable share in the barque, and I intend that my proportion of the freight shall be safe. I am not of those who believe in keeping their money in a purse; I carry mine in my pockets. If the purse is lost, all is gone. Who’s to assure me of the solvency of an insurance office? I mean that this voyage shall enable me to stay at home with my wife,’ said he, looking fondly at me. ‘Let another take charge of the barque next time. I’ll make enough to own the half of her.’
‘You shall own all of her, if you will, Tom,’ said I.
‘That’s as your trustees shall decide,’ said my uncle.
‘My money is my own, and I shall do what I please with it,’ I answered.
‘Yes; and with your knowledge of business, Marian, you shall go into partnership with your husband as a shipowner and land the firm in the Fleet.’