238 THE BOY CAPTAIN.

“Tt must be, no matter what difficulties may stand in
the way. Regardless of the many disasters which have
overtaken us, and could not be foreseen by the most pru-
dent shipmaster, I am bound to get the brig into port in
good condition, or never expect to have command of an-
other craft.”

«What does my being married to a captain have to do
with it?”

«Very much; for during the daytime, in fair weather,
when it is necessary for me to be forward doing the work
of a sailor, I shall ask you to spell the men at the wheel,
in order that they may get some rest.”

“Why do you think it is necessary to ask me? You
know very well I shall insist on doing my portion of the
work, and at such times as it is possible for me to stand
at the wheel I intend to take my regular trick.”

«“]T neither expect nor intend that you shall do anything
of the kind. There will be days when it will ease up on
us very decidedly to have your assistance, and then I shall
call on you.”

« And we are to continue the voyage, whether you find
sailors at Ascension or not?”

«“ Most decidedly, yes.”

«Then, instead of working your men to the utmost at
first, and exhausting them before they are well started on
this last portion of the voyage, suppose I take the wheel
now?”

“Not for two or three days yet. You can be of more
assistance in caring for poor Bean.”