His originally sound constitution had been gradually undermined, just as "doing like everybody else"-- that is, everybody in his set of pirates disguised under merchant flag and with a few deceptive bales of goods piled on deck--had undermined his originally sound business honor.
Arthur answered, thanking him for the offered position, but declining it.
"What you say about my work," he wrote, "encourages me to ask a favor.

I wish to be transferred from one mechanical department to another until I have made the round.

Then, perhaps, I may venture to ask you to renew your offer." Whitney showed this to Ross.

"Now, _there's_ the sort of son I'd be proud of!" he exclaimed.
Ross lifted his eyebrows.

"Really!" said he.