One day I heard him ask the captain what it was that made the sea so green in some parts of those seas.

Our captain was an awfully stupid man.

So long as he got plenty oil he didn't care two straws for the reason of anything.

The young doctor had been bothering him that morning with a good many questions, so when he asked him what made the sea green, he answered sharply, 'I suppose it makes itself green, young man,' and then he turned from him with a fling.
"The doctor laughed, and came forward among the men, and began to tell us stories and ask questions.

Ah! he was a real hearty fellow; he would tell you all kinds of queer things, and would pump you dry of all you knew in no time.