"That's so," said the second mate, who had been listening. "Now last v'y'ge in the _Battleaxe_, there was a Dago in my watch as come from the betwixt and between land where Spain jines France. And he was the Dagoest Dago I ever sailed with. But I knew the breed, and the first time he opens his garlicky mouth I hauled off and hit him. And then I took his knife away and snapped the point off. And I says to him, 'Now, you black beggar, every time at muster you'll show me that knife, and there'll be peace in the land.' And he done so, and there was peace." The captain (or "Guffin") smote his thigh. "You're right, Simcox, you're right, and if Salisbury was to take a leaf out of your log-book in respects of handlin' Dagoes, 'twould be better for all concerned. But no, not him. He goes on seein' them French make a fleet and he lets 'em! He actually sees 'em with their fleet sharpenin' on the grindstone and never says from the poop, 'Chuck that overboard, you swine, or I'll come and 'andle you so's you'll be glad to die.'" The second mate was much gratified, as was obvious by his standing first on one foot and then on another. But Lampert was not so pleased. "Why, you talk--you, captain and you, Simcox--as if they had a fleet. Why, it's my opinion--and experts say 'ditto' to me there--that a string o' band-boxes with crackers in 'em, and all on a mud-flat, would do as much harm as the French fleet--unless they blows up when we takes 'em." The Guffin shook his head. "Well, you know, Lampert, as I never 'ad no opinion of their fleet. But that ain't the question. Salisbury may have 'is reasons for not takin' it away, though I fails to see 'em; but the real question is, why we don't have a man with guts and go in command. It's my firm belief as there's many a merchant captain as could work the diplomatic game to better hadvantage. Look at the experience we has, dealing with owners contrary as hell, and with consignees and with 'arbour-masters and pilots. Where Salisbury is wrong, is in his not goin' about and freshin' up his mind. And he works by rule o' thumb and dead reckoning. It ain't no wonder we can see where's his eye's out." "It ain't," said the compliant Simcox. "Well," sighed Lampert, "I owns freely as I don't feel that sure I'd like to run his show." The Guffin laughed. "But you ain't 'ad my experience yet, Lampert. Now, I'd hundertake to come right down into the harena, and make them French and Germans sit up like monkeys on a horgan while I played the tune." "I believe you," said Simcox, rubbing his hard hands.