It is their humour, and does no harm.

I am no pirate, boy, but a lawful trader,--a rough one, I grant you, but one can't help that in these seas, where there are so many pirates on the water and such murderous blackguards on the land.

I carry on a trade in sandal-wood with the Feejee Islands; and if you choose, Ralph, to behave yourself and be a good boy, I'll take you along with me and give you a good share of the profits.

You see I'm in want of an honest boy like you, to look after the cabin and keep the log, and superintend the traffic on shore sometimes.

What say you, Ralph, would you like to become a sandal-wood trader ?" I was much surprised by this explanation, and a good deal relieved to find that the vessel, after all, was not a pirate; but instead of replying I said, "If it be as you state, then why did you take me from my island, and why do you not now take me back ?" The captain smiled as he replied, "I took you off in anger, boy, and I'm sorry for it.