However, they say, 'better late than never'." "I feel very much inclined to argue the truth of that saying," replied Jack; "but it's no use just now.

I'm terribly hungry--when shall I get some breakfast ?" "To-morrow morning at half-past eight," replied Mr Jolliffe.

"Breakfast for to-day has been over these two hours." "But must I then go without ?" "No, I do not say that, as we must make allowances for your illness; but it will not be breakfast." "Call it what you please," replied Jack, "only pray desire the servants to give me something to eat.

Dry toast or muffins--anything will do, but I should prefer coffee." "You forget that you are off Finisterre, in a midshipman's berth: coffee we have none--muffins we never see, dry toast cannot be made, as we have no soft bread; but a cup of tea, and ship's biscuit and butter, I can desire the steward to get ready for you." "Well then," replied Jack, "I will thank you to procure me that." "Marine," cried Jolliffe, "call Mesty." "Pass the word for Mesty," cried the marine--and the two syllables were handed forward until lost in the forepart of the vessel.
The person so named must be introduced to the reader.

He was a curious anomaly--a black man who had been brought to America as a slave, and there sold.
He was a very tall, spare-built, yet muscular form, and had a face by no means common with his race.