"That's right, sir. He's one of these millionaires who don't know how rich they are, for the money comes on rolling in. Restless, nervous sort of men who must be doing something, and then they want to do something else, and get tired of the idea before they've begun. He had an idea that it would be a fine thing to imitate Brassey, but do it better, and sail round the world. So the _Silver Star_ was built, rigged and finished in style. I selected as good a crew of fifteen picked, sea-going fellows as were procurable, and just a year ago we started." Jack began to grow interested. "But you see, gentlemen, he was disappointed in her from the first." "Hah!" said the doctor sharply; "now frankly, captain, what was her failing?" "Failing, sir?" said the captain, turning in his chair, and fixing the doctor with his clear eyes. "I tell you as a man, I can't find a failing in her, except perhaps there's a little too much French polish about the saloon cabin, more in the stuffed cushion line than I quite care for. You see, for an ocean-going boat I think you want to study strength and sound workmanship more than show; but that's a matter of fancy." "Of course," said Sir John, who was watching the captain very narrowly. "Well, sir, I did my very best, what he called level best, and when she was done I was as proud of her as--as--well, as your young son here might have been of a new plaything." Jack winced, and looked indignant. "But Mr Ensler didn't like her: said she was a miserable little cock-boat, and not fit for a long voyage." "And frankly, between man and man, isn't she?" said the doctor sharply. "Well, gentlemen," said the captain, showing his regular white teeth in a smile, "that's a matter of opinion. I'm not interested in the matter. I'm in command with a good crew on board, and we have our pay regular as clockwork. She may be sold, or she may not; but I can only say what I think. I did all that a man who has been at sea pretty well everywhere for thirty years could do, and I say this: if you gentlemen like to buy her and engage me--mind, with a good picked crew--I'll sail her wherever you like. If, on the other hand, you like to pick your own man, I can tell him as a brother sailor that he can't get a better found boat in either of the yacht squadrons or in Her Majesty's navy." "But Mr Ensler was dissatisfied with her."