who
was sobbing hysterically, and crying like a woman.

"Here, Widgeon, I told you to fetch one of the dock police," said the
first-mate fiercely.

"Ay, ay, sir!" cried Billy Widgeon, and Mark's heart sank as he felt
that his father was only secondary in power to the fierce red-nosed
mate. But the next instant a thrill of satisfaction shot through him,
for his father said in a calm, firm way:

"Stop!"

"Ah, we'll soon set him right," said the mate; "a miserable, snivelling
cur!"

There was a laugh among the crew, and at a word from the mate they would
have been ready to pitch the miserable object overboard.

"What is your name?" said the captain.

"Jimpny, sir. David Jimpny."

"Pretty name for a Christian man," said the mate; and the crew all
laughed.

"What have you been?" said the captain.

"Anything, sir. No trade. Been out o' work, sir, and half starved and
faint."

"Out of work!" roared the mate. "Why, you wouldn't work if you had it."

"Wouldn't I! You give me the chance, sir."

"Chance!" retorted the mate scornfully.

"Perhaps the poor wretch has not had one," said the captain. "Look
here, my man."

"I haven't, sir; I haven't had a chance. Pray, pray, give me one, sir.
I'll--I'll do anything, sir. I'll be like a slave if you'll only let me
try."

"We don't want slaves," said the captain sternly; "we want honest true
men who will work. Small."

"Ay, ay, sir," said the boatswain.

"This man has been half starved; take him below and see to him, and see
that he is well treated."

"Ay, ay, sir," cried the boatswain. "Now, my swab."

"God--bless--"

"That will do," said the captain coldly. "No words. Let's have deeds,
my man."

The abject-looking wretch shrank away, and the first-mate gave an angry
stamp upon the deck.

"Look here, Captain Strong," he began furiously.

"That will do, my dear Gregory," said the captain, clapping him on the
shoulder. "I wish the man to stay."

Mark Strong felt his heart at rest, for, as he saw the effect of his
father's words upon the chief mate, he knew once and for all who was the
real captain of the ship.

CHAPTER SIX.

HOW MARK STRONG MADE FRIENDS.

"Of course we shall not be able to sail at the time down," said the
first-mate rather huffily.

"Of course we shall, Gregory," said the captain quietly. "Morgan, I'm
sorry you've had such a job as this. Divide the men into two watches.
I'll take the first with some extra hands