'No, sir. I am one of those men who drink only when they are thirsty, and as I am seldom thirsty it follows that I drink little.'
'Do you know anything about fore and aft seamanship?'
Now Captain Glew smiled, but the expression was like a passing spasm.
'I do, sir. I have held command in several types of ships in my time. Seven years ago I had charge for three voyages of a fruiter from the Thames to the Western Islands.'
'That will do,' said Mr. Vanderholt, with an appreciative flourish of his hand, and a laugh of satisfaction.
'Five years ago, being in distress for a position, and having a wife and two children to maintain, I took command of a three-masted schooner to the Brazils, where I left her and returned in charge of a little barque. I then got a berth in Mr. Fairbanks' employ——'
He was proceeding, but Mr. Vanderholt had heard enough.
'I am quite satisfied,' said he. 'Now let us settle the matter straight off. That is my way of going to work. I'm not for easing away handsomely; I'm for letting go with a run. We shall want a mate, and we shall want a crew. Can I trust you to see to this business?'
'You can, sir.'