"Well, if the youngster isn't picking up moonshine," remarked Sampson,
examining the curiosity. "Some poor fellow designed that for his
sweetheart, likely; but I suppose it will make but little difference
with her, if she hears he's among the missing, she can just as well set
her colors for another. These bright-winged butterflies go upon the
principle that 'there's as good fish in the sea as ever was caught.'"

"O, ho, Sampson," cried the jolly faced mate, who had now taken the
captain's berth, "you are inclined to give the fair ones no quarters. I
shouldn't wonder if they had given you the slip, in some of your
cruisings."

"Well, sir, nothing of that kind, exactly; I never had much notion for
shipping under one captain for life."

"A little frightened, eh?"

"Well, between you and I, I was a little skeery, for fear I should find
my mate at the helm."

"Yes, but you don't mean to say woman is a craft sailing without a
compass, do you? that is, minus a heart?"

"Aye, aye, but it's hard to get in their wake. I never met but one
whole-souled woman in my life, and she has gone--where such as she do
go. Ah, that was a hard time! I was the only one saved of two hundred!"

"How was that, Sampson? come, spin us that yarn."

"Land ho! land ho!" hailed the lookout, and every eye welcomed Manilla,