THE FATTED CALF. 31 



this saw and this plane the carpenter's brought 

 you, and you make a new keg to take the place of 

 the one you've stolen. Here's a chance to show 

 your talent. The crew'll come around you and 

 give you advice once in a while and encourage 

 you, and when the pretty creature's all done 

 they'll hold up their hands and admire it ! " I 

 worked four days. At the end of that time I had 

 something in the shape of a keg, but it wouldn't 

 hold water or molasses any more than the " doc- 

 tor's " cullender. When these four days of atone- 

 ment were over, the captain told me to quit. 

 I quitted. 



How swiftly that pleasant evening ran by ! 

 The merry party broke up all too soon, I thought. 

 And yet not too soon. For one reason, at least, I 

 was glad it was over. Now I should see Dorothy 

 home. 



It was in the doorway, after the general and 

 particular good-nights, that I asked her if I might. 



Oh, tragical deception ! The Girl gave me one 

 defiant flash from her brown eyes, and ran like 

 a deer ! 



That was the last I saw of her. 



I went home alone. 



Six weeks later I sailed away in the Balaena, 

 sperm-whaling again. 



