"
"Your voyage has been a long one."
"Yes, we have had stress of weather, which has delayed us materially. I
regret this, but did the best I could under the circumstances. I hope
to have discharged my duties in a manner satisfactory to you."
"I cannot, of course, blame you for delay, since the weather was quite
beyond your control," said the merchant, but his tone was marked by
coldness, for which Haley found it difficult to account. He was anxious
to remain in command of the _Argonaut_, but the want of cordiality
evinced by his employer made him doubtful of his success. He was not
timid, however, and resolved to broach the subject.
"I hope, Mr. Morgan," he said, "that you have sufficient confidence in
me to intrust me I with the command of the _Argonaut_ on her next
voyage?"
"He certainly is not lacking in audacity," thought Mr. Morgan. "We will
speak of that matter hereafter," he said. "Did my young friend, Robert
Rushton, return with you?"
Now was the critical moment. In spite of his audacity, Haley felt
embarrassed.
"No, sir," he replied.
"Indeed! I expected that you would bring him back."
"May I ask if the boy is a relative of yours?"
"No, he is not."
"So much the better."
"Why do you say that? I am particularly interested in him."
"Then, sir, my task becomes more painful and embarrassing.
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