You see what sort of a ship
this is--a good ship, though I say it, and you see what
the rations are--good enough for sailor-men."
There was a hurried murmur of approval, but curiosity
for what was coming next prevented an articulate reply.
"Well," continued Trent, making bread pills and looking
hard at the middle of the table, "I'm glad of course to
be able to give you a passage to 'Frisco; one sailor-
man should help another, that's my motto. But when you
want a thing in this world, you generally always have
to pay for it." He laughed a brief, joyless laugh. "I
have no idea of losing by my kindness."
"We have no idea you should, captain," said Wicks.
"We are ready to pay anything in reason," added
Carthew.
At the words, Goddedaal, who sat next to him, touched
him with his elbow, and the two mates exchanged a
significant look. The character of Captain Trent was
given and taken in that silent second.
"In reason?" repeated the captain of the brig. "I was
waiting for that. Reason's between two people, and
there's only one here.
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