Now I want you to help me too; I want you to talk to her a great deal."

"Ay, ay," said the mate, winking at the mast in his turn.

"Admire the fortygraph on the mantel-piece," said the skipper.

"I will," said the other.

"Tell her about a lot o' young girls you know as married young middle-
aged men, an' loved 'em more an" more every day of their lives,"
continued the skipper.

"Not another word," said the mate. "I know just what you want. She
shan't marry the clerk if I can help it."

The other turned and gripped him warmly by the hand. "If ever you are a
father your elf, Jack," he said with emotion, "I hope as how somebody'll
stand by you as you're standing by me."

The mate was relieved the next day when he saw the portrait of Towson.
He stroked his moustache, and felt that he gained in good looks every
time he glanced at it.

Breakfast finished, the skipper, who had been on deck all night, retired
to his bunk. The mate went on deck and took charge, watching with great
interest the movements of the passenger as she peered into the galley
and hotly assailed the cook's method of washing up.

"Don't you like the sea?" he inquired politely, as she came and sat on
the cabin skylight.