Morton, having waited a reasonable time to give the man a chance to recover his scattered faculties, at last asked, "Well, Captain Slowly, what do you think of it? shall we make a bargain?"
The captain was now completely startled out of his half existent state, and began to talk and act like a man of middle earth; that is, he began to ask questions.
"Well, let's see; you say you was 'long of old Captain Isaiah Hazard?"
"I've heard tell on him. Let's see, where do you belong?"
"To New Bedford; are you much acquainted down that way?"
"Perhaps, then, you may know my father, old General Morton?"
"I've heard tell on him"----A pause, during which Captain Slowly took a fresh chew of tobacco, and Morton looked at his watch with great impatience----"Well, let's see; what kind of a time did you have on't 'long with old Captain Hazard?"
"Well, I declare"--another pause--"well, let's see. Calculate to go round that way again?"
"Yes; and that's what I have called to see you about: the owners approve of me, and have sent me down to you, and I wish you would give me an answer."
"Well, I expect I'm supplied with both my officers."
"I thought that was what you was coming to. Good morning, sir."
"Won't you step down below, and take a little so'thing?"
"No, I thank you;" and Morton walked away, cursing him by all his gods.
After satisfying himself that there was no chance for him in Salem, he returned to Boston. Lounging about the wharves the next day, he was attracted towards a fine, large, new ship that was setting up her lower rigging. He drew near, to examine her more closely. Her guns were lying on the wharf, as were also her boats and spare spars. From the number of men employed, and the activity with which their operations were carried on, it was evident that the ship was to be off as soon as possible. Morton stepped on her deck: an elderly man, with a fine, open, manly countenance, expressive of great kindness of disposition and goodness of heart, was superintending the duty. Morton was about to address him, thinking to himself, "This is no Captain Slowly," when the senior gave him a nod, accompanied by that peculiar half audible greeting that passes between two strangers.
"You have a noble ship here, sir," said Charles, by way of starting the conversation.