weakness for grog that isn't very safe, and so he knows 'twont do. You
see him there now, messmates, as calm as a lady; but he's awake when
there's need of it. The man don't live that can handle a ship better
than he; and as for fighting, do ye see, messmates, we were running on
this here same tack, just off the--but avast upon that, I haven't any
more to say, messmates," said the speaker, demurely.

Bill Marline evidently found himself treading upon dangerous ground, and
wisely cut short his yarn, thereby creating a vast amount of curiosity
among his messmates, but he sternly refused to speak further upon the
subject. Either his commander had prohibited him, or he found that by
speaking he should in some way compromise the credit or honor of one
upon whom he evidently looked as being little less than one of a
superior order of beings to himself.

"But what do you bring up so sudden for? Pay out, old fellow, there's
plenty of sea-room, and no land-sharks to fear," said one of the group,
encouragingly.

"Never you mind, messmates, there's nothing like keeping a civil tongue
in your head, especially being quiet about other people's business,"
added Bill.

"What think you, Bill, of this present vocation, eh?" asked another
companion.

"I shipped for six months, that's all I know, and no questions asked. I
understand very well that Captain Ratlin wouldn't ship me where he
wouldn't go himself."