antanas takes it out of them by occasionally
touching their snouts with the lit end of his cigarette, laughing to see
them scamper off, scared at the (to them) singular, and somewhat
painful, effect of fire.

His meals are served regularly three times a day, and his cook--the
aforesaid negro, black as the tar upon the rattlin ropes--after having
served them, returns to an idleness equalling his own. He too, has his
diversion with the orangs, approaching much nearer to them in physical
appearance, and for this reason, perhaps, a more congenial playmate.

Once a day the skipper steps into his gig, and rows himself ashore. But
not to search for sailors. He knows that would be an idle errand.
True, there are plenty of them in San Francisco; scores parading its
streets, and other scores seated, or standing, within its taverns and
restaurants. But they are all on the spree--all rollicking, and if not
rich, hoping soon to be. Not a man of them could be coaxed to take
service on board an outbound ship for wages less than would make the
voyage little profitable to her owner.

As the Chilian skipper is not only master, but proprietor of his own
craft, he has no intention to stir under the circumstances; but is
contented to wait till times change, and tars become inclined again to
go to sea. When this may be, and the _Condor_ shall spread her canvas
wings for a further flight to Valparaiso, he has not the remotest idea.
When he enters the town, it is to meet other skippers with ships
crewless as his own, and exchange condolences on their common
destitution.

On a certain day--that on which we are introduced to him--he has not
sculled himself ashore, but abides upon his vessel, awaiting the arrival
of one who has sent a message forewarning him of an intended visit.

Although San Francisco is fast becoming transformed into an American
city, and already has its half-dozen newspapers, there is among these a
small sheet printed in Spanish, by name _El Diario_. In it Captain
Lantanas has advertised his vessel, for freight or passage, bound for
Valparaiso, and to call at intermediate ports--Panama among the number.
The advertisement directs reference to be made to a shipping-agent, by
name Don Tomas Silvestre.

In answer to it, the Chilian has received a letter from a gentleman who
had already communicated with the agent, and who has promised to present
himself on board the _Condor_ by 12 mid-day of this same day.

Althoug