Then the captain is free to go where he will, without consulting others, according as he gets news where trade is to be done, and when he gets there he can drive his own bargains without the competition of other ships.
"So you see there are advantages both ways.

The padrone's ships run greater risks, but, if they get through them safely, they bring home much larger profits than do those of others.

As a rule, I prefer sailing singly; but just at the present time I should be well pleased to see half a dozen consorts lying alongside." Three times during the day the captain paid a visit to the rocky island.

On his return for the last time before nightfall he said to Francis: "The wind is certainly falling.

I hope that tomorrow morning we shall be able to get out of this trap.