A mere leaving of the vessel, though a wrongful absence, is not a desertion, unless it is done with the intention to desert.[209] A seaman is bound to load and unload cargo in the course of the voyage if required of him, and a refusal to do so is a refusal of duty.[210] If the voyage is at an end, according to the articles, and the vessel is safely moored at the port of discharge, the seamen are still bound to discharge the cargo if it is required of them. If they do not, their refusal or neglect does not, however, work a forfeiture of all their wages, but only makes them liable to a deduction, as compensation to the owner for any damage he may have suffered.[211] The custom in almost all sea-ports of the United States is, to discharge the crew, and not to require them to unload cargo at the end of the voyage. This custom is so strong that if the owner or master wishes to retain the crew, he must give them notice to that effect. Unless the crew are distinctly told that they must remain and discharge cargo, they may leave the vessel as soon as she is safely moored, or made fast. If they are required to remain and discharge cargo, they make themselves liable to a deduction from their wages for a neglect or refusal, but do not forfeit them.[212] The seaman must bear in mind, however, that this is only when the voyage is at an end, and the ship is at the final port of discharge. If he refuses to load or unload at any port in the course of the voyage, and before it is up, according to the articles, he does so at the risk of forfeiting all his wages.[213] [209] 1 Sumner, 373. Ware, 309. [210] 1 Pet. Ad. 253. [211] 1 Sumner, 373. Gilpin, 208. Ware, 454. 2 Hagg. 40. [212] 1 Sumner, 373. Gilpin, 208. [213] 1 Pct. Ad. 253. The master and owners of a vessel are allowed ten days after the voyage is up, before a suit can be brought against them for the wages of the crew.[214] This is in order to give them time to settle all accounts and discover delinquencies. If the crew are retained to unload, then the ten days begin to run from the time the vessel is completely unloaded. But if the crew are not retained for this purpose, but are discharged and allowed to leave the vessel, then the ten days begin to run from the day they are discharged.[215] [214] Act 1790, ch. 56, §6. [215] 1 Pet. Ad. 165, 210. Ware, 458. Dunl. Ad. Pr. 99.