'But they thought well of this place once upon a time. Men must live to learn that they're fools. Who would sail a hundred and fifty miles to run a cargo when he may set it ashore on this coast with only the danger of a third of the distance? Were you ever at sea as a sailor?' said the captain. The man smiled, and showed his immense yellow teeth, and, pulling off his cap, combed down his grisly hair. 'I've served at sea on blue water thirty years. I've come to this because I can earn more money by it. I've served in men-o'war and merchantmen, and was second mate of the West Indiaman _Sirius_.' 'What's your name?' said the captain. 'Bill Hoey,' answered the man. 'Where do you live?' The man gave his address, which Captain Jackman entered, along with the name, in a pocket-book. 'Have you got any family?' said the captain. 'An old mother turned of ninety. I buried my sunshine twenty year ago.' 'How would you like to take a voyage with me in a fine brig?' 'On what errand?' 'Simply a voyage of discovery. We would discourse that matter on board, when all hands were assembled.' 'How would you rate me?' 'Can you take the altitude of the sun?' 'Yes, sir.' 'You shall be my chief mate. I like your looks.' The man grinned and said, 'How about the money, sir?' 'I am my own owner. There will be no difficulty about wages. Here's my name and address.' He scribbled them on a fly-leaf of his note-book, tore the leaf out, and the man, after reading it, put it into his breast. 'If you know of other likely lads who have a fancy for a brisk and merry voyage from London town to the Land of Romance, and who are willing to count their pay in sovereigns instead of shillings, I shall feel obliged to you,' said the captain. Bill Hoey touched his cap. He was beginning to regard this gentleman with admiration. The captain stood bending his brows in a searching glance along the ten or dozen men who were hanging about the wooden wharf, leaning against the timber heads smoking and talking in growling notes; then with a sharp 'Good day,' he whipped round and walked up the gap. When he arrived on top of the cliffs, he turned to his left and walked a couple of miles along the edge, pausing where a curve gave him a view of the coast. He sought also with keen eyes inland. It was clear from his looks, after he had turned on his heel and struck for the town, that this place, or its vicinity, was not to his taste. He pulled out his pipe and lighted it; but the brave wind, gushing in a blue fountain over the edge of the cliff, made but a short smoke of it for him.