118 THE BOY CAPTAIN.

“JT spent four weeks ashore on the last voyage, and
more than once went into the interior of the country.
Here comes Eliphalet with the lunch, and I am so hungry
that it seems as if it would be possible to devour every-
thing he has prepared.”

“T have seen to it that your table will be supplied
better in the future than it was when I first saw you, and
during the voyage home you won’t have an opportunity
of complaining that there are not delicacies enough on
board.”

Before the old darkey could arrange the food, it was
necessary Miss Dunham assure him she had not suffered
in any way during her absence from the brig, and only
when his curiosity was fully gratified did he proceed with
the regular work.

“Captain Thompson is to take the brig home,
Eliphalet,’ she said, gleefully. “How do you like the
idea?”

“JT hasn’t got er word to complain, missy, ef he brings
back dem knives what am done gone los’ from de gal-
ley.

“But I understood you threw them overboard at

”

the pirates.”

«Jt mought er bin, missy, kase I don’ rightly ’member
*bout, dat scrimmage; but does it stan’ to reason dat a
fus’-class cook like yer ole uncle would er done sich a
reckless job?”

“TI can’t say as to that,” the young girl replied, with a
merry laugh; “but it is certain you were reckless enough