observed that things were not the same between Mr. Trelawney and the
captain.
This last was a sharp-looking man who seemed angry with everything on
board and was soon to tell us why, for we had hardly got down into the
cabin when a sailor followed us.
Captain Smollett, sir, axing to speak with you, said he.
I am always at the captain s orders. Show him in, said the squire.
The captain, who was close behind his messenger, entered at once and
shut the door behind him.
Well, Captain Smollett, what have you to say? All well, I hope; all
shipshape and seaworthy?
Well, sir, said the captain, better speak plain, I believe, even at
the risk of offence. I don t like this cruise; I don t like the men; and
I don t like my officer. That s short and sweet.
Perhaps, sir, you don t like the ship? inquired the squire, very
angry, as I could see.
I can t speak as to that, sir, not having seen her tried, said the
captain. She seems a clever craft; more I can t say.
Possibly, sir, you may not like your employer, either? says the
squire.
But here Dr. Livesey cut in.
Stay a bit, said he, stay a bit. No use of such questions as that but
to produce ill feeling. The captain has said too much or he has said too
little, and I m bound to say that I require an explanation of his words.
You don t, you say, like this cruise. Now, why?
I was engaged, sir, on what we call sealed orders, to sail this ship
for that gentleman where he should bid me, said the captain. So far
so good. But now I find that every man before the mast knows more than I
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