I mean to coin you, Captain
Dodd."
David laughed and blushed. "I doubt it will be but copper coin if you
do. But I am not a captain; I am only first mate."
"You don't say so! Why, how comes that?"
"Well, sir, I went to sea very young, but I wasted a year or two in
private ventures. When I say wasted, I picked up a heap of knowledge
that I could not have gained on the China voyage, but it has lost me a
little in length of standing; but, on the other hand, I have been very
lucky; it is not every one that gets to be first mate at my age; and
after next voyage, if I can only make a little bit of interest, I
think I shall be a captain. No, sir, I wish I was a captain; I never
wished it as now;" and David sighed deeply.
"Humph!" said Mr. Bazalgette, and took a note.
He then showed David his maps. David inspected them with almost boyish
delight, and showed the merchant the courses of ships on Eastern and
Western voyages, and explained the winds and currents that compelled
them to go one road and return another, and in both cases to go so
wonderfully out of what seems the track as they do. _Bref,_ the
two ends of the mercantile stick came nearer.
"My study is always open to you, Mr. Dodd, and I hope you will not let
a day pass without obliging me by looking in upon me."
David thanked him, and went out innocently unconscious that he had
performed an unparalleled feat. In the hall he met Captain Kenealy,
who, having received orders to amuse him, invited him to play at
billiards.
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