He is civil to me when I speak to him; yet I notice he avoids me quietly.

Altogether, there is something about him that puzzles me.

Why was he so reluctant to let me on board as a passenger?
Why did he tell a downright falsehood?
For he said there was no room for me; yet, even now, there are two cabins vacant, and he has taken possession of them.
"The mate of this ship has several barrels of spirits in his cabin, or rather cabins, and it is he who makes the captain drunk.

I learned this from one of the boys.

This looks ugly.