AN IMAGINARY SHIPWRECK. II

«Well, I must say he’s a pretty hard one, even if he
is my father, when it comes to dealing with such a case
as this, for there’s nothing makes him so hot as to be
taken for a marine.”

“Ts he your father?” the man asked in surprise, not
unmixed with fear.

« That ’s what he is.”

« But I reckon you have the run of the cabin?”

«“T reckon I do,” Ben replied, not a tremor showing
that now it was his turn to indulge in a little yarn.

«And you’ve been pumpin’ me jest for the sake of
tellin’ him?”

“No, that wasn’t what I started in for; but after
hearing what you’ve been trying to stuff down my throat
I think it’s time he should know that there’s something
wrong among you, and being so well acquainted with him
as I am, I’m willing to bet, and would risk a little more
than a farthing’s worth of silver spoons, that you'll stay
. below after we come to an anchorage, until the consul
can be notified.”

All this in the friendliest tone, as if Ben was imparting
to his new acquaintance something which it would be
particularly pleasing to hear.

The man looked at him yet more curiously, and
probably began to think the young fellow was not quite
as green, regarding the peculiar methods employed by
some seamen while telling a story, as he had at first
fancied.

“Took here, lad, there’s no call to go to the captain