The captain and mate could spin their yarns and discuss subjects of nautical philosophy; but the mate, naturally unsocial and taciturn, seldom spoke to me, and the captain never honored me by entering into familiar conversation, excepting when he had indulged in an extra glass, and Mr.Campbell was not on deck.

At such times, being in a garrulous humor, he would, as a sort of "Hogson's choice," address himself to me, and rattle off narratives of adventures of the most astounding description.
The schooner was easily managed, being a small vessel of only thirty tons burden.

In ordinary weather, one man, without leaving his station at the helm, could tack ship, gibe, and trim every sail.

The schooner was a good-sailing vessel in light winds; but her chief excellence consisted in ability to beat to windward.

When within four points of the wind she progressed at the rate of six or seven knots with a moderate breeze, while with a strong wind on the quarter eight knots was her greatest speed.