of the merits of the bayonet and rifle opposed to kris and spear,
and of sporting expeditions in which elephants, tigers, and other
wild beasts were to fall victims of their prowess.

"You will find that you won't get much of that," the mate, who was
president of the mess, said, after listening to their anticipations
of sport. "I have been on the west coast of Africa and know what
it is poking about in muddy creeks in boats, tramping through the
jungle, knee deep in mud, half the crew down with fever, and the
rest worn out with work and heat. I can tell you it is not all fun,
as you youngsters seem to think, but downright hard work."

"Ah, well! any amount of work is better than standing here
doing nothing," Dick said cheerfully, for the mate was known as a
proverbial grumbler. He had been unfortunate, and, as is usually
the case, his misfortunes were in some degree due to himself, for
he was fond of liquor, and although, when on board, he took no more
than his share, he was often somewhat unsteady in his speech when
he returned from a run ashore; and although the matter was not
grave enough for his captains to report altogether unfavorably of
him, it was sufficiently so for them to shrink from recommending
him for promotion, and in consequence he had seen scores of younger
men raised over his head. He had been for some time unemployed
before he had joined the Serpent, and had been appointed to her
only because Captain Forest, who was a friend of his family, had
used his interest on his behalf. He had, however, when he joined,
spoken frankly to him.

"I have asked for you, Morrison," he said, "simply for the sake
of your father; but I tell you frankly, that unless my report is a