Charlie Codman's Cruise

y for sea. The cargo had all been stowed[64] away, and, notwithstanding the confusio

ormation whether or not there was a real Bouncing Betsey after whom it was named. The probability however is, that it was a pure

Brace, with whom we shall beco

a man of this class. He had little education beyond what was required by his profession, and was utterly lacking in refinement and courtesy. He was not an amiable man, but rough, stormy, exacting, and dictatorial. The crew under his command he looked upon as so many machines, whose duty it was to obey him with scrupulous exactness, whatever might be the nature of his requisitions. Whe

per[66] subordination in those under his command, and this they were disposed to commend rather than to complain of, more especially as the captain was master of his profession, and had usually made quick and profitable voyages. This, as may be supp

than the one we have just sketched, but both in the naval and merchant s

portunity to become acquainted, since we purpose going to sea with him on his approaching voyage, we introduce

6

e come on board?" he inquire

t seen him this mor

rd tell him I wish to

well

inquired came aboard. We recognize in him an old acquaintance; no other than the nocturna

, Mr. Bigelow?" he inqu

r. Randall. He w

suit each other's convenience. H

e minutes. He has

sn't had lo

6

to the cabin, where he foun

as purely of a professional and technical character, and will n

ndall, with a little hesitation, remarked: "I ha

what it is, and if I can co

has backed out, having heard some ridic

w grew dark with

ke to overhaul him! I'd show h

ubt that the captain wo

69] the mother of the boy intelligence of his severity, not from any motives of humanity, b

if we sail at three o'clock," said the capta

pply you with one

who i

spoke of was that you should take him

taking relations of the officers. You are expected to be tend

race, you may be very sure," said the mate. "Although the boy is

7

le, "from your efforts to get him a place on board this

of the captain's meaning; "the fact is, the boy is unruly, and they can't do much for him at hom

such a joke as the captain co

ch are your views I have no ob

temper would interfere with his usefulness at home

at is my motto,"

oy in a previous voyage[71] who had languished and d

e is to go with us?"

ot he! He'd make

end to get him

l, and when he is down below I can take care

is the youngster's

all; named

rimly. "I leave in your hands all the steps necessary to secur

re that time, sir, and b

well

k Randall, the mate's nephew, spoken[72] of above

of the plot that is being for