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Ralph Granger's Fortunes by William Perry Brown
page 129 of 218 (59%)

"Because, like most of the others, I went it blind for the sake of high
wages. I had an idea we were on a smuggling trip. I suppose you were
too green to know anything."

"I left everything to Captain Gary. But I say, Mr. Duff, I think with
you that it is a low, mean business."

"H-s-s-h!" The mate made a warning gesture and turned away, just as
Mr. Rucker thrust his bushy beard down the fore hatch, preceded by his
burly legs and body.

The first officer looked sharply at Ralph as the boy lay in his
hammock, which he had at last slung.

"You'll report for duty in the cabin tomorrow, my lad," said he.
"Captain's orders. There won't be much shirking on this ship, whether
or no."

After the storm, the wind and weather remained fair for many days,
during which the Wanderer (as she was now called) glided into the
tropics, and justified her fame on the score of speed.

One day a cry of "Land ho!" was raised. Half an hour later the
irregular heights of the Cape Verde Islands began to be visible from
the deck. But the schooner bore away to the southeast and no close
view was obtained.

It was a lonely voyage. Scarcely any vessels were passed, and the
captain avoided these in so far as he could. It was his policy to
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