'I mean to remain on board until the arrival of my daughter, and then,' said the commander firmly, almost to grimness, 'shall ask you, Bill Hoey, to set me and her ashore at our home, which is a good way down Channel, as of course you know.' 'I've signed articles under Captain Jackman. I can take no liberties, I am afraid.' 'We shall see. I will bring you and the others to a right state of mind before I've done with you,' said the commander, shooting sharp glances in the direction of a number of seamen who were lounging on the forecastle and smoking, and looking at the land, and apparently filling their end of the little ship with their numbers. 'Can you give us any idea when the captain's coming off, sir?' said Hoey. 'He may be here to-day, or to-morrow, or next day. He'll not long tarry. I have hunted the docks for good purpose, and have gathered information which I shall communicate to the crew in proper time. Where are you bound to, do you think?' The huge Bill Hoey made no answer, and looked sheepish. 'You are cleared for the port of Oporto,' continued the commander. 'For the land of romance, more likely,' answered Bill Hoey, who, laughing respectfully, saluted and crossed the deck, his dutifulness--which is one of the glories of the English seaman--being alarmed by the commander's questions and his unrevealed knowledge. The commander went to the side, paid the boatmen, received his valise, dismissed the boat, and seeing a man approaching the little companion, he gave him the valise and told him to take it below. 'Into the living room, sir?' said the man. 'Death and fire, has it come to a sailor not knowing what below means!' 'But what's your cabin?' said the fellow sulkily; 'that's what I meant. There are but three; two's occupied, and one's the pantry.' 'Take that thing below!' repeated the commander, gesticulating with a shovel-shaped hand, and speaking in that tone of voice to which the blue-jacket is used when the naval officer's digestion is a little out of repair. The commander then made the rounds of the brig. He gazed first with astonishment and attention at the guns, the tompions of which were in. He studied the little brig aloft, and secretly admired her. 'What a villain,' he said to himself, 'to marry my daughter, and then put his ship to this use!' 'I beg your pardon, sir,' said Hoey the mate, coming over to him, 'but is your honour sailing with us?' 'I am just doing what I blessed well please,' cried the commander, blood-red with rage at being questioned by a man filling Hoey's post. 'You will do me the favour to leave me alone, merely sending the steward to me, as I am going below.'