pockets of which were the Policeman and the Harlequin), a pea-jacket with gilt buttons, and a cap with a gold band. He completed his toilet and went on deck. He then saw that the ship was a fine bark, with raking masts, and perhaps a tonnage of 800. She carried two long carronades.
"Mornin', cap'en," said a tall wiry Yankee mate. "With a breeze like this I reckon we shall take tarnation snakes out of yon Britisher."
"No doubt of it," said Freddy. "Where is the Britisher?"
"About three miles off the starboard quarter," said the mate, pointing in the named direction with a telescope.
"I see him—that is her," said Freddy.
"If this breeze lasts she'll never overhaul the Flying Clam."
"And if she should," said Freddy, "who cares?"
He looked anxiously at the mate, to see if he cared.
"Wal, I du for one. The crew du for another. And the cargo du for a third."
"The cargo? I don't see how it can concern the cargo?"
"Wal," said the mate; Ho! ho! ho! that is a good'un. Don't see how it can consarn the cargo! No, no—you'll never beat that if you tries a year, cap'en! Bully for you, old man! Ho! ho! ho!"
"Ho! ho! ho!" laughed Freddy, mechanically; "Bully for me, as you say."
"You du make me larf, you bet!" said the mate. "Can't consarn the cargo! No, not at all. Ho! ho! ho!"
