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Stevenson, Robert Louis

"The Wrecker"


Our last dispute, which had a most unlooked-for
consequence, turned on the refitting of condemned
ships. He had bought a miserable hulk, and came,
rubbing his hands, to inform me she was already on the
slip, under a new name, to be repaired. When first I
had heard of this industry I suppose I scarcely
comprehended; but much discussion had sharpened my
faculties, and now my brow became heavy.
"I can be no party to that, Pinkerton," said I.
He leaped like a man shot. "What next?" he cried.
"What ails you anyway? You seem to me to dislike
everything that's profitable."
"This ship has been condemned by Lloyd's agent," said
I.
"But I tell you it's a deal. The ship's in splendid
condition; there's next to nothing wrong with her but
the garboard streak and the sternpost. I tell you,
Lloyd's is a ring, like everybody else; only it's an
English ring, and that's what deceives you. If it was
American, you would be crying it down all day. It's
Anglomania--common Anglomania," he cried, with growing
irritation.
"I will not make money by risking men's lives," was my
ultimatum.


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