[By Right of Conquest by G. A. Henty]@TWC D-Link book
By Right of Conquest

CHAPTER 2: Bound To Unknown Parts
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The two mates had each been with him for upwards of ten years, and had learned their business under his eye; and he intended, although he had not as yet told him so, to rate Roger as third mate.

His boatswain would go in the same capacity as before; and he shipped, as gunner, one who had served for some years in a king's ship in that rank, and was well acquainted with the working of ordnance.
Mistress Mercy had, of course, heard from her gossips of the talk that was going on, concerning the unusual preparations that were being made, by her husband, for the forthcoming voyage of the Swan; and the trader was often put to his wits' end by her questions on the subject.

His professions of benevolence towards the crew, and his explanations of his reasons for her powerful armament had sufficed for others, but they by no means satisfied her.
"Do you think, Diggory Beggs," she asked, indignantly, "that after all these years I do not know you as well as I do the contents of my linen chest?
I have never before known you open your purse strings one inch wider than was necessary.

Have I not always had to ask, until I am verily ashamed, before I can get a new gown for myself, or a decent cloak for the girls?
You have ever been hard fisted with your money, and never disposed to spend a groat, save on good occasion.

There is not the wife of a trader of your standing in Plymouth but makes a braver show than I do, when we walk on the hoe on holidays or feast days.
"There is something at the bottom of all this I don't understand; but mark you, Diggory, I am not to be kept in the dark.


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