"I meant the cat with nine tails, not the cat with nine lives.

Here, young Strong, whatever you do, never take to being mate in the merchant service." He went out on deck, and Mark followed him, eager to see what was the matter; and as he passed out, it was to hear the second-mate say: "I was coming after you; the poor wretch's groans are awful." "Serve him right, the scoundrel! Government ought to interfere and put a stop to it." "But, my dear Gregory, hadn't we better get the poor wretch out, and settle the government interference afterwards ?" "These men make me half mad," cried the first-mate.

"Where do you suppose he is ?" "A long way down, I'm afraid." "And we are behind with our lading.

How can a man be such an idiot as to expose himself to such risks ?" cried the first-mate.
"Sheer ignorance.

If they thought they were likely to be crushed to death or suffocated, they would not do it." "What is the matter ?" asked Mark anxiously.
"Stowaway, my lad," said the second-mate.