put it into the business for the sake of keeping my berth aboard, and
having things as pleasant as we've had 'em all along."

"So would I," grunted Eph. "But what's the use of talking, when this is
all the capitalist that I am?"

He took out four paper dollars, passing them ruefully between his fingers.

"Why don't you say something, Jack?" demanded Hal. "Dry of words, for
once?"

"I'm thinking," responded young Benson, absently.

"Well, it's a sure thing that thinking does less harm than talking,"
nodded Hal.

"But when a fellow's silent he can't spit out all that's boiling inside
of him," snorted Eph Somers.

"I'm getting ready to talk presently," smiled Captain Jack.

"If it's anything strong, say it now," begged Eph.

The three boys were sitting about the cabin table. Eph sat with his
elbows on the table, his chin in his hands, his eyes glaring defiantly
at the wall opposite. Hal, rather listless, sat low in his chair, his
feet well under the table, his hands thrust deep in his pockets. Jack
sat leaning slightly forward, his left hand tapping lightly against the
polished surface of the table.