"Yes, it's me--what's left of me. You'll ruin the ship, Captain. It's not fair to the men; it's demoralising. I hope next time you get a tip you'll keep it to yourself." "That's ungrateful. How much did you win?" "Only a tenner. I had not sufficient faith in you to put on more than a couple of sovs." Job Seagrave laughed. He got on very well with his officers and crew. They really liked the "old man" because he invariably stood by them, no matter what trouble they got into, or whether they were right or wrong. A clerk from the shipping office came to the door of the cabin, and handed the captain a note. It advised him that the "Golden Land" must sail as soon as possible after the remainder of the cargo, which was to be delivered that day, was got on board. "All serene," said Job. "But what about my passengers? They don't expect her to get away before next week." "Then you'll have to hurry them up." "How the deuce am I to find them?" "That's not my business; you have your orders," said the clerk impudently. The office hands did not like the skipper; he was one too many for them. "Are you running the ship, or am I?" roared Job. "You have the honour to command the old tub, I believe." "Then you clear out of it as soon as possible, or you'll travel down the gangway faster than you came. You shrivelled up young leek, how dare you cheek me!" The clerk disappeared. He had experienced what the captain's temper was like before, and did not relish a repetition. "The atmosphere feels cleaner now he's gone," growled Mac. "We'll sail when we think proper, Mr. Macdonald, and I'm d----d if I am going without my passengers, Sharp or no Sharp." Mar chuckled. He gloried in defying "the powers that be" ashore. "Tell him we are short of coal. Inform Mr. Sharp that there is not sufficient grease on board to make a slide on the cabin floor, let alone to oil the engines. That ought to settle him." "Mac," said the skipper, "we are going to have a decent trip. I am about to provision this ship in a lordly style. Will you stand in, it will be worth it?" The chief engineer looked dubious. "I had a very small win," he said. "But I'll lay in some of my special, and you're welcome to a share." "Where's the crew?" asked Job, as he went on deck. "Half in and half out. They keep turning up in small quantities; the bosun's just arrived in a hansom," laughed Slack. "He's a credit to the ship. When the bosun can drive about in a hansom, there's no reason why the skipper should not have a carriage and pair." "None at all; I'd like to see you in it, you'd fill it well," replied the chief officer with a smile. "Stow your chaff; I'm going to board Sharp in the office. Mind you, I have forgiven you lubbers for deserting the ship last night, but don't let it occur again, or there'll be a concert on board." "And very little harmony." "That is so, Sam; you have a keen intelligence," replied Job.