mfort," he remarked, "to sail under liberal owners. Now, my
people insist on having their ships as well found as possible, and if I
condemn spars, sails, ropes, or stays, they are replaced without a
question. And it is the cheapest policy in the long run. There is
nothing so costly as stinginess on board a ship. The giving way of a
stay may mean the loss of the mast and all its gear, and that may mean
the loss of a ship. The blowing away of a sail at a critical moment may
mean certain disaster; and yet there are many owners who grudge a fathom
of new rope or a bolt of canvas, and who will risk the safety of their
vessels for the petty economy of a few pounds."

The next day the wind had dropped entirely. The topgallant masts were
sent up with their yards and sails, and by dinner-time the _Flying Scud_
looked more like herself. As soon as the wind lulled all on board were
conscious of a sudden fall of temperature. Bundles of wraps were undone
and greatcoats and cloaks got out, and although the sun was still
shining brightly the poop of the _Flying Scud_ soon presented a wintry
appearance. There was no sitting about now. Even the ladies had
abandoned their usual work, and by the sharp walking up and down on deck
it was evident that even the warm wraps were insufficient in themselves,
and that brisk exercise was necessary to keep up the circulation.

"Well, what do you think of this, Mrs. Renshaw?" Mr. Atherton asked.

"I like it," she said decidedly; "but it is certainly a wonderfully
sudden change from summer to winter. My husband does not like it at all.
We never agreed on the subject of temperature. He liked what I call a
close study, while I enjoy a sharp walk well wrapped up on a winter's
day."

"I agree with you," Mr. Atherton said. "I can bear any amount of cold,
but heat completely knocks me up. But then, you see, the cold never has
a chance of penetrating to my bones."

"Which course shall we take now, do you suppose? South of Cape Horn or
through the Straits?"

"It will depend upon the winds we meet with, I imagine," Mr. Atherton
replied. "If the wind continues from the south, I should say the captain
would keep well south of the Horn; but if it heads us from the west at
all, we may have to go through the Straits, which, personally, I own
that I should prefer. It has gone round nearly a point since I came on
deck this morning. If it goes round a bit more we certainly shall not be
able to lay our course rou