Digital heart book

"O!" says Jim, "this is Captain Nares, is it? Good-
morning, Captain Nares. Happy to have the pleasure of
your acquaintance, sir. I know you well by
reputation."
Perhaps, under the circumstances of the moment, this
was scarce a welcome speech. At least, Nares received
it with a grunt.
"Well, Captain," Jim continued, "you know about the
size of the business? You're to take the Norah Creina
to Midway Island, break up a wreck, call at Honolulu,
and back to this port? I suppose that's understood?"
"Well," returned Nares, with the same unamiable
reserve, "for a reason, which I guess you know, the
cruise may suit me: but there's a point or two to
settle. We shall have to talk, Mr. Pinkerton. But
whether I go or not, somebody will. There's no sense
in losing time; and you might give Mr. Johnson a note,
let him take the hands right down, and set to to
overhaul the rigging. The beasts look sober," he
added, with an air of great disgust, "and need putting
to work to keep them so."
This being agreed upon, Nares watched his subordinate
depart, and drew a visible breath.


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