Particularly in speaking to a man like McTee, for he recognized in the Scotchman some of the same strong, blunt characteristics of Harrigan.
"Every man who's sailed the South Seas knows Captain McTee," he began.
"None of that, lad.

If you know me, you also know that I'm called Black McTee--and for a reason." "More than that, sir, we know that whatever men say of you, your word has always been good." "Well ?" "I'm going to ask you to give me your word that what I have to say, if it doesn't please you, will go out one ear as fast as it goes in the other." "You have my word." "And maybe your hand, sir ?" McTee, stirred by curiosity, shook hands.
Hovey began: "Some of us have sailed a long time and never got much in the pocket to show for it." "Yes, that's true of me." "But there's none of us would turn our backs on the long green ?" McTee grinned.
"Well, sir, I have a little plan.

Suppose you knew an old man--a man so old, sir, that he was sure to die in a year or so.

And suppose he had one heir--a girl who was about to die--" "Mutiny, bos'n," said McTee coldly.
But the eye of Hovey was fully as cold; he knew his man.
"Well ?" he queried.
"Talk ahead.

I've given you my word to keep quiet." "Suppose this old man had a lot of money.