You know there is no love lost between you and the custom house." The schooner captain way a stout, thickset man with a face bronzed to the color of mahogany and a head of hair as red as a Pittsburgh furnace at midnight.

His blue eyes sparkled with good nature and merriment, and a continual smile hovered over his massive mouth.

After several hearty greetings to acquaintances on the landing, the captain proceeded to the warehouse of the merchant, where Mr.C.soon afterward introduced Paul to the jolly old sea dog.

When Captain Balbo learned that Paul had come down after seashells and curiosities, he was delighted and invited the boy to come aboard.
"O'im in the same line meself.

But instead of lookin' afther dirthy, bad-smellin' sea shells, it's afther the shells of ould Vessels Oi am." Paul gladly promised to go aboard that afternoon.