mast. And I'm not the man to
stand guying, especially from beauties like those who were here just
now."

Again the captain's keen, dark eyes flashed--this time in a
semi-approving manner--as he looked at Barry's bronzed face and tall,
square-built figure. He stroked his carefully trimmed pointed beard
and thought for a few moments.

"I want a chief mate for the _Mahina_; the one I have now is seriously
ill and cannot live more than a day or two. When can you come
aboard--to-night?"

Barry shook his head impatiently. "I told you, sir, that I have no
clothes but those I stand up in----"

"Can you get what you want right off if I advance you ten sovereigns?"

"Five will do--or three if you have a slop chest aboard."

"The _Mahina_ is a trading vessel (though I'm going to have a try at
pearling this trip) and carries a general store from a needle to an
anchor aboard; but at the same time, although you can get what you want
in the way of clothing, you may want money for other purposes. Are you
willing to come aboard to-night, and take first mate's duty?"

"Yes."

"Then take these"--he took two five pound notes from his pocket-book
and placed them in Barry's hand. "This is Saturday, and the shops keep
open till late. But I rely on you to be here on this wharf not later
than midnight. My mate, whose place you will take, is very ill, my
crew are a troublesome lot--six of them have deserted, and the rest of
them would clear out to-night if they could. I shall look out for you,
and send a boat when you hail."

"I shall be here sooner, if you wish it," replied Barry, "but I do not
want all this," and he gave back one of the bank notes. "I don't owe a
cent to any one, but I have some gear of mine in pawn."

The captain waved it back courteously. "Keep it, sir; keep it--we sail
early on Monday morning, and you will not be able to get on shore
again."

"Thank you," laughed Barry. "I've no doubt I can find use for it."
Then he added, "My name is Barry."

"And mine is Rawlings. I hope we shall pull together, Mr. Barry," this
with a pleasant smile as he buttoned up his overcoat. "Ha, there is my
boat, and I must take my gaol-birds on board. Good-afternoon. I shall
look for you about twelve o'clock."

Then with a polite inclination of his head he stepped out towards the
waiting boat, and left his new chief officer to pursue his way into the
city with a light heart.

[1] A now almost obsolete nautic