"Eggs-actly, Skinner. Good seaman, I daresay, but worthless and
unreliable in an executive capacity, and I can't trust a ripping fine
barkentine like the Retriever with that kind of man. I suppose he
feels the hankering for a spree coming on right now. Skinner, if we
gave the man Peasley permission to draw drafts he'd paint Cape Town
red. I feel it in my bones."

"So do I, sir."

"What vessels have we in port at this moment, Skinner?"

"McBride is discharging the Nokomis at Oakland Long Wharf."

"The ideal man." Cappy smote his desk. "I've been wanting to promote
Mac into a larger vessel and pay him twenty-five dollars a month more
for the past two years. He's too good for a little hooker like the
Nokomis, and he's got a steady-going Norwegian mate that's been with
him in the Nokomis for three years. Time to take care of that mate.
Skinner, I have an idea. See that it is carried through. McBride's
mate shall buy out Mac's interest in the Nokomis. If he hasn't the
money, tell him I'll lend it to him, secured by the insurance,
provided he and McBride can come to terms. See that they do. Tell
Mac he's to have the Retriever, and I'll arrange to get Cap'n Noah's
interest for him from the estate at a fair figure. Give him expense
money and his credentials and tell him to start for Cape Town tomorrow
night; and cable the man Peasley to retain charge of the vessel at
captain's pay until McBride arrives to relieve him."

Mr. Skinner retired to his office and got down his code book. The
general manager knew what he desired to say and hoped he might find