But that would not be earning my salary.
After a good deal of thought, I came to the conclusion that I would let things go on as they would, for a while, giving Rectus a good deal of rope; but the moment he began to show signs of insubordination, I would march right on him, and quell him with an iron hand.

After that, all would be plain sailing, and we could have as much fun as we pleased, for Rectus would know exactly how far he could go.
There were but few passengers on deck, for it was quite cold, and it now began to grow dark, and we went below.

Pretty soon the dinner-bell rang, and I was glad to hear it, for I had the appetite of a horse.

There was a first-rate dinner, ever so many different kinds of dishes, all up and down the table, which had ridges running lengthwise, under the table-cloth, to keep the plates from sliding off, if a storm should come up.

Before we were done with dinner the shelves above the table began to swing a good deal,--or rather the vessel rolled and the shelves kept their places,--so I knew we must be pretty well out to sea, but I had not expected it would be so rough, for the day had been fine and clear.
When we left the table, it was about as much as we could do to keep our feet, and in less than a quarter of an hour I began to feel dreadfully.
I stuck it out as long as I could, and then I went to bed.