"There's d--d little room on board for human beings; the accommodation is limited, and the bunks are not equal to the best shake-downs in a decent hotel. There's a tarnation lot of company in the ship sometimes, which we get rid of in the best way we can. The dining saloon, gents, is not on a par with an Atlantic liner's, but there's ample room for feeding, providing the sea's calm. When she's in motion, the 'Golden Land' lets you know it. If the firm's willing, I'll take you both, and I daresay we shall pass the time pleasantly enough. We shall know each other inside out before we reach Fremantle, I guess." CHAPTER FOURTH _AN OLD TIME SKIPPER_ Jack Redland decided to take a trip to Fremantle in the "Golden Land," and arranged for his passage before leaving the office; he was surprised at the low amount charged. The manager watched them as they left with Captain Seagrave, and thought: "You little know what you are in for. I would not make a trip to Australia in the 'Golden Land' for a hundred pounds, how the deuce Seagrave manages to get the old tub out there safely beats me. She'll go down for certain before long. I hope it will not be this trip." Captain Seagrave was in a jovial frame of mind, and he liked his company. He admired pluck and knew his companions had plenty of it, or they would not have ventured on such a trip without asking a few more questions. "What sort of a steamer is the 'Golden Land'?" asked Jack. Job Seagrave smiled as he replied: "She's not what you'd call a floating palace; every time I sail in her I fancy it will be her last voyage, but she holds well together, and I know how to handle her, although she has as many humours as a thoroughbred." Jack laughed as he said-- "I judge from that remark you are fond of racing." "Yes, my lad, I am, and not above winning a trifle, or losing it." "I ride in races sometimes." The skipper turned an admiring glance on him. "You don't look much like a jockey," he replied. "I am a gentleman rider. If you care to go down to Lewes the week before we sail you will see me win a race, I hope." "Lewes!" exclaimed Seagrave, "that's funny, bless my soul, it's funny. I was born there, in that glorious town I first saw daylight, or gas-light." "Well, this beats all," said Harry Marton, "it is a day of surprises." "A fellow must be born somewhere," said the skipper, in an apologetic tone, at which they both laughed. "Have you been there lately?" asked Jack. "Not this trip. I was there about twelve months ago, at the races, and had a look round the old place, but very few people know me now. I remember I backed a horse called Topsy Turvy, because he belonged to Sir Lester Dyke. I knew his father, they are a grand old family." "I rode the horse," said Jack, quietly. "Belay, there," shouted Seagrave, as he came to a dead standstill and stared at him, much to the amusement of the passers by. "You rode him, well, of all the----curious things this beats cock fighting."