I went forward, and seating myself on the windlass, burst into tears! It struck me as hard and unjust that I should be deprived of my well-earned wages, unless on condition of committing an unworthy act, at which my soul revolted.

My decision, however, was taken.

Although the loss of my money would have subjected me to inconvenience perhaps distress I resolved to submit to any ills which poverty might inflict, rather than comply with the wishes and advice of this unprincipled man, who should have acted towards me as a faithful monitor and guide.
I remained in this disconsolate condition for about an hour, when Captain Turner returned on board.

As he stepped leisurely over the gangway, he greeted me with a benignant smile, and beckoned me to the quarter deck.
"Well, Hawser," said he in his blandest manner, as if he sought to atone for his coarse language and dishonorable conduct a short time before, "so you refuse to do as others do take a false oath?
You are too sanctimonious by half, and you will find it out some day.

You are an obstinate little fool, but may do as you like.