20 THE BOY CAPTAIN.

“ From all accounts I reckon I’ve got two more.”

The mate looked at the boy in surprise, and Ben, fearful
lest the conversation should be interrupted before he had
said all he wished, added quickly :

«“T’ve made up my mind to jump from the forecastle
into the cabin by going after that brig, taking her to
Hong Kong, and from there home, if possible.”

«“ You’ve made up what?” the mate asked, in surprise.

Ben repeated the words.

“Well, I’ll be blowed!” and Mr. Short really looked
as if he was preparing himself for such an ordeal. He
stepped back a few paces, surveyed the young man from
head to foot, pursed his lips, gave vent to a prolonged
whistle, and Ben was unable to determine if it was ex-
pressive of astonishment or scorn. “So you’re countin’
on runnin’ down to Nampang Island, cuttin’ out a brig
that’s got for a crew a negro and a child, an’ some fine
day slipping across to New York! Well, you ain’t
thinkin’ of doin’ much, are you? You don’t want a very
big portion of this world, do you? If this is your idea
of what a sailor can accomplish after he’s been to sea two
years an’ a half, it’s mighty lucky for all hands aboard
the Sportsman that you haven't lived in the forecastle
any longer, or you’d be takin’ charge of this ’ere crowd.”

“Now don’t make sport of me, Mr. Short. I can do
exactly what I have said, as you know, providing I have
the chance, and nobody is any better aware of my ability
as a sailor than you. I ask you fairly and squarely if
you don’t think it possible ?”