“The only matter left,” said the lawyer, “is the ambergris. I understand that it is more valuable than diamonds.” The Quaker rejoined, “I prefer to have thee talk dollars and cents. I belong to the Society of Friends, and know nothing of the value of precious stones, jewels and so forth. Friends have no use for such things.” “Well, the lump is over three hundred pounds, and I’ll settle at the rate of a thousand dollars a pound—Three Hundred Thousand Dollars for the whole thing.” “Not in this office,” said the Quaker quietly. “Well, on what basis will you settle?” “I will settle on the basis of a fair valuation and no other.” Then the lawyer launched out with a great flow of words, accompanied by violent gestures, to show what he considered was a just valuation, concluding, “What do you think of that?” “I think, my friend, that thee indulges in too much unprofitable language,” was the reply. “Well, then let’s hear your views,” said the lawyer. The Quaker expressed himself as follows, and to this day I remember how clearly he presented his views and how free he was from excitement. “We have had no trouble in agreeing on the value of the oil and bone as a basis of settlement and now the only difference relates to this lump of ambergris weighing three hundred pounds. It has been examined and found to be in very fair condition. The highest price it is likely to bring is not three hundred thousand but seventy thousand dollars. I naturally assume some risk as to quality and price. I will settle on the basis of sixty-five thousand dollars, and, if that isn’t satisfactory, thee may bring suit or do anything else thee pleases.” The lawyer grumbled a little, muttered something to his client, backed down entirely, watched with keen eyes the payment of the amount due his companion and accompanied him to the door as if he were a brother. The Quaker smiled and observed to my father, “I will settle with this young man after the second sailor has been dealt with.” Hardly were the words uttered, when that individual appeared. And it was no other than Ohoo. Negotiations were soon concluded and Ohoo made his mark, took his money and then looked beseechingly at my father, who notified the merchant that he was to see to it that Ohoo’s money was safely guarded. “I approve of thy purpose,” the Quaker responded. Ohoo departed, and almost immediately returned, accompanied by the rest of the crew. After they had been dealt with, the settlement with my father was soon over. The ruling prices as to oil and bone were accepted, and sixty-five thousand dollars for the ambergris was agreed to. “This is a remarkable case,” said the Quaker, as he handed my father a little over eight hundred dollars. “Thy son has had nothing from the slop chest, and he receives the largest amount I have ever paid a sailor for a single voyage since I have been in the business.”