"Thank you kindly, sir," he said, "If so be as I ain't a-robbin' you."
"I have no use for them, my good man. I never ate an onion in my
life."
"Then I don't think you know what's good," said Mr. Stubbs. "An onion,
let me tell you, is mighty good eatin', and healthy, too."
At the close of the magical entertainment, Harry sang by request, and
no part of the performance was more popular. He received many warm
congratulations.
"Really, Mr. Vane, you sing like a nightingale, don't you know," was
the tribute of Clinton.
"Bless me!" said Mr. Timmins; "I was so absorbed in your song that I
have forgotten to take my catarrh medicine."
"Thank you, sir; that is the best compliment I have received,"
returned Harry, with a smile.
Little has been said thus far of Captain Hill, the chief officer of
the Nantucket. He was a stout, red-faced seaman, nearing fifty years
of age, and had been in service ever since he was fifteen. He was a
thorough sailor, and fitted in every way but one to take charge of a
ship bound to any part of the world. His one disqualification may be
stated briefly--he had a passion for drink.
It was not immediately that this was found out. He took his meals with
the passengers, but it was not then that he indulged his appetite.
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