e is
something about the profession, which betrays us to each other. Yes, Mr
Wilder," he added with dignity motioning to his guest to imitate his
example, and take a seat, "I am, like yourself, a seaman bred and happy am
I to add, the Commander of this gallant vessel."

"Then, must you admit that I have not intruded without a sufficient
warrant."

"I confess the same. My ship has filled your eye agreeably; nor shall I be
slow to acknowledge, that I have seen enough about your air, and person,
to make me wish to be an older acquaintance. You want service?"

"One should be ashamed of idleness in these stirring times."

"It is well. This is an oddly-constructed world in which we live, Mr
Wilder! Some think themselves in danger, with a foundation beneath them no
less solid than _terra firma_, while others are content to trust their
fortunes on the sea. So, again, some there are who believe praying is the
business of man; and then come others who are sparing of their breath, and
take those favours for themselves which they have not always the leisure
or the inclination to ask for. No doubt you thought it prudent to inquire
into the nature of our trade, before you came hither in quest of
employment?"

"You are said to be a slaver, among the townsmen of Newport."

"They are never wrong, your village gossips! If witchcraft ever truly
existed on earth, the first of the cunning tribe has been a village
innkeeper; the second, its doctor; and the third, its priest. The right to
the fourth honour may be disputed between the barber and the
tailor.--Roderick!"

The Captain accompanied the word by which he so unceremoniously
interrupted himself, by striking a light blow on a Chinese gong, which,
among other curiosities, was suspended from one of the beams of the upper
deck, within reach of his hand.

"I say, Roderick, do you sleep?"

A light and active boy darted out of one of the two little state-rooms
which were constructed on the quarters of the ship, and answered to the
summons by announcing his presence.

"Has the boat returned?"

The reply was in the affirmative.

"And has she been successful?"

"The General is in his room, sir, and can give you an answer better than
I."

"Then, let the General appear, and report the result of his campaign."

Wilder was by far too deeply interested, to break the sudden reverie into
which his companion had now evidently fallen, even by breathing as loud as
usual. The boy descen