24/38 Yet he could tell, by the very tones of the speakers, that the dialogue was one of mystery and importance. The best thing, now, seemed to be to withdraw unobserved, and wait for another opportunity. He did so; and he had not long retired, when the mate came out staggering and flushed with liquor, and that was a thing that had never occurred before. He left the cabin door open and went into his own room. There he found the captain of the _Proserpine_ in a position very unfavorable to longevity. |