'I could keep ye on board for the whole voyage,' he went on,
'but ye wouldna be permitted to land. if ye're seekin' enjoyment, it
would be a poor job sittin' on this deck and admirin' the works O'
God and no allowed to step on the pier-head. Ye should have
applied to the military gentlemen in Glesca. But ye've plenty o'
time to make up your mind afore we get to Oban. We've a heap
o' calls to make Mull and Islay way.'

The purser came up to inquire about my ticket, and greeted me
with a grin.

,Ye're acquaint with Mr Gresson, then?' said the captain. 'Weel,
we're a cheery wee ship's company, and that's the great thing on
this kind o' job.'

I made but a poor supper, for the wind had risen to half a gale,
and I saw hours of wretchedness approaching. The trouble with me
is that I cannot be honestly sick and get it over. Queasiness and
headache beset me and there is no refuge but bed. I turned into my
bunk, leaving the captain and the mate smoking shag not six feet
from my head, and fell into a restless sleep. When I woke the place
was empty, and smelt vilely of stale tobacco and cheese. My throbbing
brows made sleep impossible, and I tried to ease them by
staggering upon deck. I saw a clear windy sky, with every star as
bright as a live coal, and a heaving waste of dark waters running to
ink-black hills. Then a douche of spray caught me and sent me
down the companion to my bunk again, where I lay for hours
trying to make a plan of campaign.