ught to do with it if it was against
an honest man; but a rogue who has scuttled a ship--Lor', there!"

Bob cast out the juice of his chew into the fire, as if it were the
life-blood of such a villain, and looked at his father, who expressed
approval by the like proceeding. And Geoffrey Mordacks was well content
at finding them made of decent stuff. It was not his manner to do things
meanly; and he had only spoken so to moderate their minds and keep them
steady.

"Mariner Bob, you speak well and wisely," he answered, with a superior
smile. "Your anxiety as to ways and means does credit to your intellect.
That subject has received my consideration. I have studied the style of
life at Flamborough, and the prices of provisions--would that such they
were in York!--and to keep you in temperate and healthy comfort, without
temptation, and with minds alert, I am determined to allow for the two
of you, over and above all your present income from a grateful country
(which pays a man less when amputation has left less of him), the sum of
one guinea and a half per week. But remember that, to draw this stipend,
both of you must be in condition to walk one mile and a half on a
Saturday night, which is a test of character. You will both be fitted
up with solid steel ends, by the cutler at the end of Ouse Bridge,
to-morrow morning, so that the state of the roads will not affect you,
and take note of one thing, mutual support (graceful though it always
is in paternal and filial communion) will not be allowed on a Saturday
night. Each man must stand on his own stumps."

"Sir," replied Bob, who had much education, which led him to a knowledge
of his failings, "never you fear but what we shall do it. Sunday will
be the day of standing with a shake to it; for such, is the habit of the
navy. Father, return thanks; make a leg--no man can do it better. Master
Mordacks, you shall have our utmost duty; but a little brass in hand
would be convenient."

"You shall have a fortnight in advance; after that you must go every
Saturday night to a place I will appoint for you. Now keep your own
counsel; watch that fellow; by no means scare him at first, unless you
see signs of his making off; but rather let him think that you know
nothing of his crime. Labor hard to make him drink again; then terrify
him like Davy Jones himself; and get every particular out of him,
especially how he himself escaped, where he landed, and who was with
him. I want to l