LN COMMAND. 103

man must accept what you say as law and gospel, it
would be a pretty difficult job to persuade father I am
anything more than a.reasonably poor specimen of a
sailor. However, I would like to have him meet you,
indeed I would, and the first officer, too! It would be
worth a month’s wages if old Short could see a handsome
girl like you on the quarter-deck of the Sportsman for
five minutes or so.”

“Ts this Mr. Short as lavish with his compliments as
you are? Or doesn’t that quality extend aft of the
forecastle ?”

«JT never saw the first mate when he had as good a
chance as I have got; but I tell you what it is, Miss
Dunham, he’s sailor enough to be able to run all around
me in such things, for he’s been to sea longer. You
know there’s nothing in this wide world that will awaken
a shellback’s enthusiasm so quick as a pretty girl.”

A ringing laugh followed this very gallant and seaman-
like speech, and then, dismissing pleasantry for business,
Miss Dunham began to discuss the details of the proposed
trip, Ben charging her with such messages as he wished
delivered to Mr. Short, for he believed that gentleman
might be of great assistance in procuring him the coveted
command.

It was past midnight before this topic of conversation
was exhausted, and then the young captain insisted once
more that his “mate” should retire; but she was as
determined as ever to remain on deck. The only com-
promise she would accept was to allow him to bring some