rment among you, in
finding yourselves so strong a crew, and at seeing the Swan so well
provided with guns, and with all other necessaries. You will learn,
in good time, all about it; but at present it is best, for many
reasons, that you should know nothing about the matter. We may be
overhauled by a king's ship; we may meet with foul weather, and
have to put back into port; and a loose tongue might do us grievous
damage. It is enough for you to know that where the ship is going
you are going; that she is stored with provisions of such quality
as was never put on board a trader before; that everything will be
done for your comfort. As to myself, I am content to know that I
have a crew of eighty-five stout Devonshire lads under me, and that
we can give an account of ourselves, whosoever may meet us. Those
who have sailed with me before know that I do my best for my men,
that there will be no harsh words or violence on board this ship,
save they are well merited. Discipline, order, and obedience I will
have, and that strictly. Above all, I will have no grumbling. A
grumbling crew is a useless crew, and a sick crew; while a cheerful
crew can meet, with confidence, whatever befalls them; but I think
not that I have any grumblers on board, since every man has been
carefully chosen. A merry heart goes all the way, as the saying has
it, and I want this crew to be a happy one.

"So far as the order of the ship permits it, you shall have every
indulgence. At first you will find yourselves pressed for space,
but you will soon eat and drink room for yourselves. The stores to
be first used are all down in the fore hold, and I reckon that, in
three weeks or a month, that will be cleared; and there will then
be room for all to lie in shelter, when we are in harbor; and the
present accommodation is sufficient for the watch below, providing
all sleep quietly, and have good conscience.

"And now, to work. While you get everything tidy and in good
shipshape, the cooks will get to work at the coppers; and I can
promise you a good breakfast, washed down by sound cider, such as
you had last night."

The men gave a cheer, and were soon at work, under the direction of
their officers. It mattered little to them where they were going,
or what was before them. They had guessed that it was no ordinary
voyage they were going to undertake; but the thought that, wherever
it was, they were to be well kept and well cared for, satisfied
them might