After saluting the captain, he surveyed the
weather-beaten condition of the craft, made several inquiries in
regard to her working, and then said in a sang-froid manner, "Well!
I reckon you've seen some knocking, anyhow." Then turning again and
giving some orders in regard, to getting more way upon her, he
viewed the laborious working at the pumps, and walking about
midships on the larboard side, took a sharp survey of her waist.
"Don't she leak around her topsides, Captain?" said he.
Receiving an answer in the affirmative, he gave a glance aloft, and
then at the sky to windward; asked how long he had worked her in
that condition, and where he took the gale. "It's a wonder she
hadn't swamped ye before now. I'd a' beached her at the first point,
if she'd bin mine; I'd never stand at slapping an old craft like
this on. She reminds me of one o' these down-east sugar-box crafts
what trade to Cuba," he continued. Then walking across the
main-hatch to the starboard side, he approached the men who were
pumping, and after inquiring about freeing her, suddenly caught a
glimpse of Manuel, as he lay upon the mattrass with his face
uncovered.
"Heavens! What! have you got the yellow fever on board at this
season of the year?" he inquired of the mate, who had just come aft
to inquire about getting some water from the pilot-boat.
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