tes, but am inclined to use
you."

"I do not know any special reason why you should sir."

"No more do I. Every Englishman I ever knew was a liar, and a sneaking
poltroon. I was brought up to hate the race, and always have. I can't
say that I like you any better than the others. By God! I don't, for
the matter of that. But just now you can be useful to me if you are
of that mind. This is a business proposition, and it makes no odds if
we hate each other, so the end is gained. How does that sound?"

I shifted my position so as to gain a clearer view of his face. I was
still wholly at sea as to what the fellow was driving at--yet,
evidently enough he was in earnest. It was my part to find out.

"Not altogether bad," I admitted. "I have been in some games of chance
before."

"I thought as much," eagerly, "and money has the same chink however it
be earned. You could use some?"

"If I had any to use; after a sailor has been drunk there is not apt
to be much left in his pockets."

He reached across into the upper bunk, and brought forth a bottle and
glass, placing these upon the table at his elbow.

"Have a drink first," he said, pouring it out. "It will stiffen your
nerve."

"Thanks, no, Senor. I have nerve enough and once I start that sort of
thing there is no stopping. Take it yourself and then tell me what is
in the wind."

"I will, Gates," affecting cordiality, although I somehow felt that my
refusal to imbibe had aroused a faint suspicion in his mind. "But I
would rather you would show yourself a good fellow. I like to see a
man take his liquor and hold it."

He sat down the emptied glass, and straightened back in the chair, his
eyes searching as ever.

"The fact is," he began doubtfully, "what you just said to me on deck
chanced to be of interest. You were not boasting?"

"I answered your questions truthfully, if that is what you mean."

"You are a navigator?"

"I was in command of ships for four years, Senor; naturally I know
navigation."

"Do you mind if I test you?"

"Not in the least; although it will have to be in English; as I do not
know the Spanish sea terms."

"Let that go then; I will soon learn if you have lied, and that will
be a sorry day for you. I'll tell you, Gates, how matters stand
aboard, and why I have need of your skill. Then you may take your
choice--the forecastle, or the cabin?"

"You invite me aft, Senor?"

"I give you a chance to move your dunnage, if you will do my