‘It don’t matter what you do, So long as the heart’s true, And his heart _is_ true to Poll.’ But the British seaman has sterling qualities to counterbalance the frivolity of his child-like nature. To stand by his shipmates in times of trouble or sickness--to evince a strong attachment to little children--to be honest and above-board in his dealings--to defend the weak and punish the bully--to remember kind actions and forget petty injustices, these are some of the virtues which stand out boldly in the characters of our sailors, and more than counterbalance any little failings of which they may be guilty. They are rough and straightforward, preferring to settle an argument by the use of their fists, than by philosophical reasoning. They are brave and fearless,--careless of death, though they live under the daily chance of becoming acquainted with Davy Jones’ locker, and yet simple in their faith as little children. The sailors before the mast of the _Pandora_ were sixteen in number--twelve able-bodied seamen and four ordinaries, who were all comfortably housed in the forecastle, which was certified to accommodate twenty-four hands. Their work at times, when the ship required box-hauling and tacking, was not light, as the _Pandora_ was heavily rigged, and only carried part of her complement. They were not all English, amongst them being Swedes, Germans, and Spaniards, who dressed in blue and red ‘jumpers,’ and made a picturesque group when at work together. There is always one officer who is singled out as a favourite by the seamen, and on the _Pandora_ a unanimous verdict was passed in favour of Vernon Blythe. The chief mate was gruff and tyrannical, and his orders were frequently accompanied by unnecessary oaths, which lowered him in their estimation. The third officer was only a newly-fledged mate, who had just hopped from the midshipman’s berth, and, though holding a certificate, was looked on by the sailors as a mere boy, and treated consequently with a respectful but patronising interest. The ‘old man,’ as they designated their skipper, was not disliked, though by no means a favourite. When at the wheel, or in the captain’s quarters, he never interfered with them, but his indefatigable system of working up was not appreciated. For a whole fortnight the _Pandora_ was making but little headway in the doldrums, and during that period the sailors were continually working ship. The captain raised the clews of his courses, and lowered them again; ran up the headsails, and then manned the downhauls; set the spanker, and trailed it in again. Everything was done by turn to work the vessel out of those detestable latitudes, and he did not spare his crew, which aggravated them to such an extent, that they growled from morning till night, and rained imprecations on their commander’s head, which, if put into effect, would have enriched the coffers of his satanic majesty.