Well now, Nigel, you don't suppose, do you, that I'm goin' to keep you here for some months knockin' about with nothin' to do--eatin' your grub in idleness ?" "Certainly not," said the youth, regarding the stern countenance of his parent with an amused look.

"I have no intention of acting such an ignoble part, and I'm surprised at you askin' the question, for you know I am not lazy--at least not more so than average active men--and there must be plenty of work for me to do in looking after the cargo, superintending repairs, taking care of the ship and men.

I wonder at you, father.

You must either have had a shock of dotage, or fallen into a poetical vein.

What is a first mate fit for if--" "Nigel," said Captain Roy, interrupting, "I'm the owner an' commander of the _Sunshine_, besides bein' the paternal parent of an impertinent son, and I claim to have the right to do as I please--therefore, hold your tongue and listen to me." "All right, father," replied the young man, with a benignant grin; "proceed, but don't be hard upon me; spare my feelings." "Well now, this is how the land lies," said the old seaman, resting his elbows on the table and clasping his hands before him.