"Then you'd better fix the business yourself. You engaged him, like the
rest of us. I like the lad, and I'd take it ill to be axed to fire him.
No, sir. That ain't in my department this trip. It'd be a bird of
another color if he was no good. But he's a first-rater, an' I, for
one, will be sorry to lose him. If you don't take my word for it, ax
Tagg. He knows a man when he see him, does Tagg, an' he hasn't
forgotten that upper cut Mr. Royson gev' a land shark in Marseilles
when the crowd set about you."

Stump was profoundly moved, or he would not have made such a long
speech, and von Kerber knew that his flank attack had failed. Indeed,
the gruff sailor had as good as charged him with rank ingratitude.

"Oh, if you think that way about it," said he coolly, "we can let the
project drop for the present. I was only considering Mr. Royson's own
interests. Whether he goes or stays, it does not concern me in the
least. Have a cigarette? Ah, you prefer a pipe, yes? Well, good night,
captain. We shall not be rocked to sleep by the wild waves to-night, I
imagine."

Stump joined Tagg on the bridge. He jerked a thumb after the Baron's
retreating figure.

"That German swab wants me to boot Royson," he muttered.

"Boot Royson? The idee! Wot for?"

"He piled it on thick about wot he called Royson's own interests, but I
knew better'n that. It don't suit his book for our dandy second mate to
be sparkin' the owner's granddaughter abaft the lantern. You take my