It was Rum ruined me." "Saint Christopher! Do you mean to say you can read charts, and take observations ?" I smiled, encouraged by his surprise, and the change in his tone.
"Yes, sir; I saw ten years' service as mate." "What was your last ship ?" "The _Bombay Castle_, London to Hong Kong; I wrecked her off Cape Mendez in a fog.

I was drunk below, and it cost me my ticket." "You know West Indian waters ?" "Slightly; I made two voyages to Panama, and one to Havana." "And speak Spanish ?" "A little bit, sir, as you see; I learn languages easily." He stared straight into my face, but, without uttering another word, turned on his heel and went below.

Whether, or not, I had made an impression on the fellow I did not know.

His face was a mask perfectly concealing his thought.

That he had appeared interested enough to question me had in it a measure of encouragement.