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80 "There's enough blue paint on board, sir," said the second, "to put a fleet into mourning, I don't know how it came here, for Captain Brogger didn't care to be extra lavish with stores."

It was Dodman's way of saying the deceased skipper was as mean as his brothers.

"Very well," said Greig; "you can do it as soon as you like, Mr. Plump. These are customs which I hate to see die out. And now I think I'll turn in." As he went he added—

"I believe we shall get on very well together, gentlemen."

Plump and Dodman said they were sure of it, and when he had gone below they said—

"He's all right."

At midnight Plump went below too, and Dodman walked the weather side of the poop in a happier frame of mind than he had known since he came on board the vessel in Liverpool. The wind was fine and steady out of the east, and the Enchatress slipped through the water very sweetly.

"Damme," said poor Dodman, "I believe I could sing."