"Here is the captain!" said Olbinett.

"Ah! delighted, Captain Burton, delighted to make your acquaintance,"
exclaimed the unknown.

John Mangles stood stupefied, as much at seeing the stranger on board
as at hearing himself called "Captain Burton."

But the new comer went on in the most affable manner.

"Allow me to shake hands with you, sir; and if I did not do
so yesterday evening, it was only because I did not wish
to be troublesome when you were starting. But to-day, captain,
it gives me great pleasure to begin my intercourse with you."

John Mangles opened his eyes as wide as possible, and stood staring
at Olbinett and the stranger alternately.

But without waiting for a reply, the rattling fellow continued:

"Now the introduction is made, my dear captain, we are old friends.
Let's have a little talk, and tell me how you like the SCOTIA?"

"What do you mean by the SCOTIA?" put in John Mangles at last.

"By the SCOTIA? Why, the ship we're on, of course--a good ship
that has been commended to me, not only for its physical qualities,
but also for the moral qualities of its commander, the brave
Captain Burton. You will be some relation of the famous
African traveler of that name. A daring man he was, sir.