I observe a certain heaviness and dejection about his whole carriage.

His wavering glances, the listless motions of his hands, and his slow, unsteady gait, all seem to me to indicate a weak and sluggish disposition.

He does not appear as though he could be energetic enough ever to be stubborn; he never frowns, sets his teeth, or clenches his fist.

There is something enigmatical about him; however, I shall study him closely and do what I can to understand the man who, as commander of a vessel, should be to those around him "second only to God." Unless I am greatly mistaken there is another man on board who, if circumstances should require it, would take the more prominent position--I mean the mate.

I have hitherto, however, had such little opportunity of observing his character, that I must defer saying more about him at present.
Besides the captain and this mate, whose name is Robert Curtis, our crew consists of Walter, the lieutenant, the boatswain, and fourteen sailors, all English or Scotch, making eighteen altogether, a number quite sufficient for working a vessel of 900 tons burden.