"Well, then, I'll drink for both of us. Oh! don't imagine you are dealing with a sot! No! never more than is good for me, but always as much!" I followed the man to the tavern, and while Atkins was busy on the deck of the ship, discussing the prices of his purchases and sales, we took our places in the eating-room of his inn. And first I said to Hurliguerly: "It was on Atkins that I reckoned to introduce me to Captain Len Guy, for he knows him very intimately, if I am not mistaken." "Pooh! Atkins is a good sort, and the captain has an esteem for him. But he can't do what I can. Let me act for you, Mr. Jeorling." "Is it so difficult a matter to arrange, boatswain, and is there not a cabin on board the _Halbrane_? The smallest would do for me, and I will pay--" "All right, Mr. Jeorling! There is a cabin, which has never been used, and since you don't mind putting your hand in your pocket if required--however--between ourselves--it will take somebody sharper than you think, and who isn't good old Atkins, to induce Captain Len Guy to take a passenger. Yes, indeed, it will take all the smartness of the good fellow who now drinks to your health, regretting that you don't return the compliment!" What a wink it was that accompanied this sentiment! And then the man took a short black pipe out of the pocket of his jacket, and smoked like a steamer in full blast. "Mr. Hurliguerly?" said I. "Mr. Jeorling." "Why does your captain object to taking me on his ship?" "Because he does not intend to take anybody on board his ship. He never has taken a passenger." "But, for what reason, I ask you." "Oh! because he wants to go where he likes, to turn about if he pleases and go the other way without accounting for his motives to anybody. He never leaves these southern seas, Mr. Jeorling; we have been going these many years between Australia on the east and America on the west; from Hobart Town to the Kerguelens, to Tristan d'Acunha, to the Falklands, only taking time anywhere to sell our cargo, and sometimes dipping down into the Antarctic Sea. Under these circumstances, you understand, a passenger might be troublesome, and besides, who would care to embark on the _Halbrane_? she does not like to flout the breezes, and goes wherever the wind drives her." "The _Halbrane_ positively leaves the Kerguelens in four days?" "Certainly." "And this time she will sail westward for Tristan d'Acunha?" "Probably." "Well, then, that probability will be enough for me, and since you offer me your services, get Captain Len Guy to accept me as a passenger." "It's as good as done." "All right, Hurliguerly, and you shall have no reason to repent of it."