accompanying him, which I was equally determined not to do. At last by
much reasoning I made him understand that my presence would be more
hindrance than help, and would probably be fatal to his chances of
success.

'Well, well,' he grumbled at last, 'I've been concerned in no such
expedition before. An' it be the custom for single ships to engage,
I'll stand to it alone. You shall come with me as consort, though, and
stand to and fro in the offing, or sink me if I stir a step.'

My mind was full of my father's plans and of the courses which lay
before me. There seemed to be no choice, however, as old Solomon was in
dead earnest, but to lay the matter aside for the moment and see the
upshot of this adventure.

'Mind, Solomon,' said I, 'I don't cross the threshold.'

'Aye, aye, mate. You can please yourself. We have to beat up against
the wind all the way. She's on the look-out, for I hailed her
yesternight, and let her know as how I should bear down on her about
seven bells of the morning watch.'

I was thinking as we trudged down the road that Phoebe would need to be
learned in sea terms to make out the old man's meaning, when he pulled
up short and clapped his hands to his pockets.

'Zounds!' he cried, 'I have forgot to bring a pistol.'

'In Heaven's name!' I said in amazement, 'what could you want with a
pistol?'