"If so be the rest don't care, I don't. If so be some on us had knowed
afore we shipped what kind of cargo we was after, we might have thought
twice afore we signed. Niggers is niggers. Some say they is humans,
some say they ain't. But this here shippin' 'em like two legged cattle
be mighty resky nowadays. Less'n we make a heap."

"Oh, you shut up!" interrupted the captain, laughing. "All the
scruples any of you have is concerning the money there is in the
cruise. Am I right?"

"Well, a man's obleeged to look out for number one, cap'n," responded
the fellow, falling back and restoring his quid to his left jaw.

Ralph seemed about to speak, but as Gary's cold, hard eye fell on the
lad, prudence bade him hold his peace. Besides he did not more than
half comprehend the nature of the captain's explanation.

The face of the second mate was a picture of disgust and irresolution.
He said nothing, however, until the captain went below. Then he
followed.

"Captain Gary," said he, when the two were alone in the cabin, "you
should have had my right hand sooner than have got me off on such a
cruise had I known its object before I signed with you."

"I know you," replied Gary somewhat scornfully. "You have just about
conscience enough not to violate your word when the sacrifice would be
too great. Of course you don't approve. I never asked for your
approval; wouldn't give a cent for it if I had it. But you signed--for