"Well, it's like this with us," answered Smedley; "we have six ships, and every ship carries a stewardess. Three are away, and the others, I know, are provided with stewardesses. The practice is for a person who wants the position to call at the offices, and if her qualifications are all right her name is put down, and she awaits her chance. Miss Armstrong might have to wait a long time, and she doesn't want to do so."
Julia shook her head slowly, and Mrs. Smedley said:
"How can she wait, Jim? She has no money, and no friend when Mr. Hardy sails."
"Are you anything of a nurse?" inquired the captain.
"I have nursed old ladies, but not children," answered Julia. "But I have had some experience in the sick-room."
There was a pause. Smedley filled his pipe thoughtfully.
"Have you a stewardess?" asked Hardy.
"Yes," replied Smedley, "she has been in the ship four voyages."
"What's the pay?" asked Hardy.