ject to taking me on his ship?"

"Because he does not intend to take anybody on board his ship. He
never has taken a passenger."

"But, for what reason, I ask you."

"Oh! because he wants to go where he likes, to turn about if he
pleases and go the other way without accounting for his motives to
anybody. He never leaves these southern seas, Mr. Jeorling; we have
been going these many years between Australia on the east and
America on the west; from Hobart Town to the Kerguelens, to Tristan
d'Acunha, to the Falklands, only taking time anywhere to sell our
cargo, and sometimes dipping down into the Antarctic Sea. Under
these circumstances, you understand, a passenger might be
troublesome, and besides, who would care to embark on the _Halbrane_?
she does not like to flout the breezes, and goes wherever the wind
drives her."

"The _Halbrane_ positively leaves the Kerguelens in four days?"

"Certainly."

"And this time she will sail westward for Tristan d'Acunha?"

"Probably."

"Well, then, that probability will be enough for me, and since you
offer me your services, get Captain Len Guy to accept me as a
passenger."

"It's as good as done."

"All right, Hurliguerly, and you shall have no reason to repent of
it."

"Eh! Mr. Jeorling," replied this singular mariner, shaking his
head as though he had just come out of the sea, "I have never
repented of anything, and I know well that I shall not repent of
doing you a service. Now, if you will allow me, I shall take leave
of you, without waiting for Arkins to return, and get on board."

With this, Hurliguerly swallowed his last glass of whisky at a
gulp--I thought the glass would have gone down with the
liquor--bestowed a patronizing smile on me, and departed.

An hour later, I met the innkeeper on the port, and told him what
had occurred.

"Ah! that Hurliguerly!" said he, "always the old story. If you
were to believe him, Captain Len Guy wouldn't blow his nose
without consulting him. He's a queer fellow, Mr. Jeorling, not
bad, not stupid, but a great hand at getting hold of dollars or
guineas! If you fall into his hands, mind your purse, button up your
pocket, and don't let yourself be done."

"Thanks for your advice, Atkins. Tell me, you have been talking
with Captain Len Guy; have you spoken about me?"

"Not yet, Mr. Jeorling. There's plenty of time. The _Halbrane_ has
only just arrived, and--"

"Yes, yes, I know. But you understand that I want to be cer