34 THE BOY CAPTAIN.

reason why a man should not, if he is competent to take
command of a vessel.”

“Do you think you are?”

«JT am certain of it, sir.”

« Well, my boy, I’m going to let you make the venture.
The consul will give you authority to take charge of the
brig ; but remember this, if through your carelessness or
ignorance, or even through stress of circumstances over
which you have no control, anything should happen to the
craft, your chances of ever being master would be very
much smaller than they are at present. A mistake now
will be serious, so far as your reputation is concerned, for
no matter what might occur in the way of disaster, it
would be set down to your inexperience, even though you
should handle her more carefully and skilfully than an
older captain.”

«JT understand that, sir, and probably should take more
precautions than an older man.”

«JT have no doubt of it. If you are willing to take the
risk, go ahead. How much money do you need ?”’

«“T reckon I can get along with the wages that are due
me, sir. I had rather not borrow.”

« But it is necessary you should go very quickly.”

«Yes, sir, and I shall have sufficient funds for that pur-
pose if I take up my wages.”

The captain gave Ben an order on the consignees of the
ship, saying as he did so:

«‘T suppose you would prefer Chinese money, since you
are going down the coast? This is the full amount of your