"Well, I might give ye the answer you gave me this very day when I speired the same question.

But I am frank by nature, and I see you wish me well.

Come in bye, and we'll discuss the matter." He led me into a room where a cheerful fire crackled, and got out from a press a bottle and glasses.

He produced tobacco from a brass box and filled a long pipe.
"Now," said he, "we'll understand each other better.

Ye see before you a poor gentleman of fortune, whom poverty and a roving spirit have driven to outland bits o' the earth to ply his lawful trade of sea-captain.