CHAPTER V.
CAPTAIN ROY SURPRISES AND GRATIFIES HIS SON, WHO SURPRISES A NEGRO, AND SUDDENLY FORMS AN ASTONISHING RESOLVE.
Arrived in Batavia--the low-lying seaport and capital of the Dutch island of Java--Captain Roy had his brig examined, and found that the damage she had sustained was so serious that several months would probably elapse before she would be again ready for sea.
"Now, Nigel, my lad," said the old gentleman, on the morning after the examination had been made, "come down below with me; I want to have a confabulation with 'ee." "Why, father," said the youth, when seated at the small cabin table opposite his rugged parent, "you seem to be in an unusually solemn frame of mind this morning.

Has anything happened ?" "Nothin', boy--nothin'.

Leastwise nothin' in particular.

You know all about the brig, an' what a deal o' repair she's got to undergo ?" "Of course I do.

You know I was present when you talked the matter over with that fellow--what's-'is-name--that gave you his report." "Just so.