the stars and the compass on these lakes, running from headland
to headland; and having little need of figures and calculations,
make no use of them. But we have our claims notwithstanding, as
I have often heard from those who have passed years on the ocean.
In the first place, we have always the land aboard, and much of the
time on a lee-shore, and that I have frequently heard makes hardy
sailors. Our gales are sudden and severe, and we are compelled
to run for our ports at all hours."

"You have your leads," interrupted Cap.

"They are of little use, and are seldom cast."

"The deep-seas."

"I have heard of such things, but confess I never saw one."

"Oh! deuce, with a vengeance. A trader, and no deep-sea! Why,
boy, you cannot pretend to be anything of a mariner. Who the
devil ever heard of a seaman without his deep-sea?"

"I do not pretend to any particular skill, Master Cap."

"Except in shooting falls, Jasper, except in shooting falls and
rifts," said Pathfinder, coming to the rescue; "in which business
even you, Master Cap, must allow he has some handiness. In my
judgment, every man is to be esteemed or condemned according to his
gifts; and if Master Cap is useless in running the Oswego Falls,
I try to remember that he is useful when out of sight of land; and
if Jasper be useless when out of sight of land, I do not forget