maller animals may be got along with, with a narvous
crew, perhaps; but when it comes to the raal old bulls, or bull-dogs, as a
body might better call 'em, give me stout hearts, as well as stout hands."

'Well, now, to my notion, Watson, it is less dangerous to take a
sea-elephant than to fasten to a regular old bull-whale, that may be has
had half a dozen irons in him already."

"Yes, sir, _that's_ sometimes skeary work, too; though I don't think so
much of a whale as I do of a sea-elephant, or of a sea-lion. 'Let me know
my shipmates,' say I, 'on a sealin' expedition.'"

"Captain Gar'ner," said the deacon, who necessarily overheard this
discourse, "you ought to know at once whether this man is to go in the
schooner or not. The mates believe he is, and may come across from the
main without a hand to take his place should he leave us. The thing should
be settled at once."

"I'm willing to come to tarms this minute," returned Watson, as boldly as
if he were perfectly sincere; "only let me understand what I undertake.
If I know'd to what islands the schooner was bound, it might make a
difference in my judgment."

This was a well-devised question of the spy's, though it failed of its
effect, in consequence of the deacon's great caution in not having yet
told his secret, even to the master of his craft. Had Gardiner known
exactly where he was about to go, the desire to secure a hand as valuable
as Watson might have drawn from him some imprudent revelation; but knowing
nothing himself, he was obliged to make the best answer he could.

"Going," he said; "why, we are going after seals, to be sure; and shall
look for them where they are most to be found. As experienced a hand as
yourself ought to know where that is."

"Ay, ay, sir," answered the fellow, laughing--"it's just neither here nor
there--that's all."

"Captain Gar'ner," interrupted the deacon, solemnly, "this is trifling,
and we must come to terms with this man, or write to Mr. Hazard to engage
another in his place. Come ashore, sir; I have business with you up at the
house."

The serious manner in which this was uttered took both the captain and the
man a little by surprise. As for the first, he went below to conceal his
good-looking throat beneath a black handkerchief, before he followed the
deacon where it was most probable he should meet with Mary. While he was
thus occupied, Watson came down out of the main-rigging and descended into
the forecastle. As