But the profits being more than sufficient for his wants, he had for some time remained on shore, old Thompson having charge of the vessel.

He was a good-tempered, jolly fellow, very fond of his pipe and his pot, and much more fond of his sloop, by the employment of which he was supplied with all his comforts.

He passed most of the day sitting at the door of his house, which looked upon the anchorage, exchanging a few words with everyone that passed by, but invariably upon one and the same topic--his sloop.

If she was at anchor--"There she is," he would say, pointing to her with the stem of his pipe.

If she was away, she had sailed on such a day;--he expected her back at such a time.