"No affections about it! I only want to make the best division of the hands," answered Captain Scott. "Louis is older than Morris and will be in his watch; and the mate may need his advice and assistance, for he knows something about sailing a steamer. Now, according to custom, the captain takes the ship out, and the mate brings her home. That indicates that you and I have the first watch on deck; and Felipe will have it in the engine-room. It is ten o'clock now, and you have time for a two hours' snooze before we get under way." Felix had tried to keep awake by struggling to be funny, and he was ready to take the advice of the captain, who had no inclination to take a nap. Scott went on deck, where two seamen from the ship were keeping the anchor watch. Presently Captain Ringgold came down the gangway followed by a young seaman from the crew of the ship. "One thing had almost been forgotten, Captain Scott," said the commander. "You must eat on board of the Maud, and you have no cook and steward. You need good food, well prepared." "I did not forget it, sir, for I was thinking of it this evening," replied Scott. "I have detailed Pitts from the crew for this duty; he has served as both cook and steward. Show him the galley." The commander returned to the Guardian-Mother. CHAPTER XXVI THE PACHA FINDS HE HAS CAUGHT A TARTAR About half-past eleven all the ship's company were on board of the Maud, and Louis was engaged in showing the cabin party of the ship over the little steamer. They found that Pitts had put everything in order in the galley, which is the kitchen, though the same name is also applied to the stove. He had made a fire, and washed all the dishes, proving that he was inclined to be neat and nice. The provisions as well as the water-casks had been stowed away in the run, from which a scuttle opened in the floor of the standing-room. The ladies approved the housekeeping of the cook, and were conducted to the engine-room, where the new hand was presented to them, for they all knew Felipe, and had done a great deal for him. Then they went to the cabin, where Felix had slept an hour, and was no longer sleepy. He had made up the four beds on the divans, all with sheets and pillows, for Mrs. Belgrave and Mrs. Woolridge had insisted that their sons should go to bed regularly and in due form, and not merely lie down on the sofa.