"But when cap'n go 'way, boy t'ink he big man.

Boy know nothin'.

Better have woman for boss." Captain Horn could not help being amused.

"Which woman ?" he asked.
"I say old one.

Cheditafa say young one." The captain was not a man who would readily discuss his affairs with any one, especially with such a man as Maka; but now the circumstances were peculiar, and he wanted to know the opinions of these men he was about to leave behind him.
"What made you and Cheditafa think that way ?" he asked.
"I t'ink old one know more," replied the negro, "and Cheditafa t'ink wife make bes' boss when cap'n gone, and young one make bes' wife." "You impertinent black scoundrels!" exclaimed the captain, taking a step toward Maka, who bounced backward a couple of yards.