"So it does," said Geordie, and the next moment he found himself announced as "Mr. Potts," and he stood before the captain with his cap in his hand, looking as if he was about to be put in irons for mutiny; but, as a matter of fact, the old skipper was a deal more nervous than he was. "This seems all correct, Mr. Potts," said Smith. "Does it, sir?" asked Geordie. "I'm very sorry, sir, but it ain't my fault, sir. I never meant--at least, I never allowed my uncle would do it, because my father, sir, said he was a bloodsucker, and they fought, and I hit uncle with a brick, sir, to make him let go of father's beard." "Oh, yes, to be sure," said the captain, nervously, "but I'm thinking what to do. It's a very anomalous situation for you to be here, Potts--Mr. Potts, I mean." But Geordie held up his hand. "I'd _much_ rather be Potts, sir, thanking you all the same." "I couldn't do it," replied the skipper. "I was thinking that you might like me to put back to Melbourne?" "Wot for, sir?" demanded the owner. "So that you could go home in a P. and O. boat," said old Smith. "Thanking you kindly, sir," replied Geordie, "I'd rather stay in the _Patriarch_. I don't like steamers and never did." He had a vague notion that the skipper wanted him to go home before the mast in one. "Then you wish me not to put back, Mr. Potts?" said Smith. "I'd very much rather not, sir," replied Geordie. "I'm very happy here, sir, and takin' it all round the _Patriarch's_ a comfortable ship, sir. May I go for'ard now, sir?" He made a step for the cabin door. "Oh, dear, oh, dear," said old Smith, "you mustn't; you must have a berth here and be a passenger." The skipper's obvious nervousness was not without its effect upon the new owner. For old Smith knew that if he lost his present billet he was not likely to find another one, and he had nothing saved to speak of. So somehow, and without knowing why, Geordie, without being in the least disrespectful, was more decided in his answer than he would have been if the "old man" had showed himself as hard and severe as usual. "Not me," said Geordie, "not me, sir; I wouldn't and I couldn't. I'd be that uncomfortable--oh, a passenger, good evings, no!" "But bein' owner you _can't_ stay for'ard," urged the skipper. "Oh, yes, I can, sir," said Geordie; "I'd prefer it." Smith sighed. "If you prefer it, of course you must. But if you change your mind you'll let me know." "Right--I will, sir," said Geordie. The skipper walked with him to the cabin door. "And if you don't want to work, Mr. Potts, I dare say we can get on without your services, though we shall miss them," he said, anxiously. "I couldn't lie about and do nix," replied Geordie. "I'd die of it." And away he went for'ard, while the skipper and Mr. Brose and Mr. Ware, waked out of his watch below to hear the extraordinary news, discussed the situation. "And 'ave I to call 'im Mr. Potts?" asked Brose, with a pathetic air of disgust.