"That you won't attempt to run away. But, my lad, it is only a few hours since you said the brig was a very nice place, and you would grow gray in it before you would promise not to leave when you got a good chance."
"I hadn't tried it, then. But I think it is an insult to a fellow to put him in here. I would rather be flogged outright."
"I would rather take a flogging, and have it done with."
"That's one of the reasons why we don't do it. We don't want to have it done with till the boy means to do about right. You are a smart boy, my lad; but you have got a heap of bad blood in your veins, which ought to be worked off. If you would only do your duty like a man, you would be comfortable and happy."
"You will soon learn all the ropes in the ship, and they will all come as handy to you as the key of your own watch."
Clyde pulled out his watch, and glanced at the boatswain.
"That's a nice time-keeper you have, my lad; gold, I suppose."
"Yes; it cost thirty pounds. Wouldn't you like it?"
"Well, I have a pretty good silver one, which answers my purpose very well," replied Peaks, smiling.
"I'll give it to you, if you will let me out, and permit me to go on shore," added Clyde, in an insinuating tone.
"Thank you, my lad, I don't want it bad enough to do that."
"You can sell it, you know. Or I will give you thirty pounds in cash, if you prefer."
"I can't afford to do it for that," laughed the boatswain.
"I'll give you fifty pounds then," persisted Clyde.
"Can't afford to do it for that, either."
"Say a hundred, if you like, my lad; and then say a thousand. I can't afford to do it for all the money your mother is worth. You are on the wrong tack, my lad. I can't be bought at any price."
"I won't ask you to let me out. If you will only go on deck, and keep out of the way, I will manage it all myself."
"No, no; sheer off, my hearty. When I have a duty to do, I always mean to do it; and if it isn't done, it isn't my fault. You can't leave the ship with my consent."
"I can't stay here, I say. I should die in a month."
"Very well, die like a man, then," said Peaks, good-naturedly; for, though he could not be bought at any price, he did not indulge in any righteous indignation against his victim. "Learn your duty, and then do it. There is plenty of fun going on in the ship, and you will enjoy yourself as soon as you get on the right tack. That's the up and down of the whole matter."