for insubordination, and while on the
frigate was a perfect terror to his messmates. He was noted as the
strongest man of the three hundred who formed her crew, and as Ducas
said, "There won't be enough tears shed over his death by the friends
who knew him to wet a postage stamp!"

What a lucky thing for me this man did not become _my_ comrade.

By the end of a week Ducas, or as I more familiarly called him Alec, was
able to take short walks, and the more he saw of the island the better
he liked it, and finally asked to be allowed to stay with me, and
cultivate the land, and render what service he could in other ways.

I was in a quandary to know how to answer him, as I did not know how it
would affect my agreement with Young Johnson "to stay on the island for
six months longer." I therefore told Alec I would let him know my
decision in four days from then, giving myself that time to turn the
matter over in my mind.

So far as the agreement with my father went that was concluded, as my
twelve months had already expired; but what I was puzzled about was how
I should stand with Johnson. It seemed to me that he expected me to
remain _alone_ on the island for the specified time--six months--but
what was I to do now man Friday had arrived? I puzzled over the matter a
long time, and then came to the conclusion that win or lose I would stay
on the island another summer, and whether I transgressed the contract or
not, I would retain Ducas, as it would be very pleasant to have a
companion, and if I was by so doing breaking the contract, must abide by
the consequences.

I next interviewed Alec Ducas, and found that between his sea
engagements he had assisted in gardening and the usual routine of farm
work, beside which, being a thorough seaman, he could make his own
clothes and boots, consequently mine; in fact, could turn his hand to
anything, as only a sailor can.

"Well, Ducas, I am going to stay here for another six months; you have
seen the resources of the house and island, and can judge best, if you
think you would rather stay here than go over to St. Peter Port in
prospect of getting another vessel. What do you say, would you rather go
or stay?"

To this he made reply, his face beaming with delight,

"Well, sir, I have not much of a mind to make up, but if you will allow
me to stay and help you, nothing will give me greater pleasure; in fact,
such a life is the one I crave. There is liberty for a man here, and