342 WHALING AND F I 8 H I M e . 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



i WATT for the Barque-J)isappointed " Working " a Passage- 

 New York after two years absence Coasting Cape Men- 

 Smyra, the Cook Our Crew go Home Ship Keeping Sol- 

 itude leads to Reflection A Coaster's Life A "Stranger" 

 The Cape The Mary Hawes A " Fish Crew "Fishing " at 

 Half Line "We Sail Preparing for Business The Vessel 

 Her Captain. 



AT the mate's suggestion, I came down to the 

 barque every second or third day, and placed 

 myself in the captain's way, sometimes speaking to 

 him, at others, satisfied if he saw me. He occa- 

 sionally expressed his opinion that I ought not to 

 wait so long; yet never refused to ratify his prom- 

 ise to ship me. Meantime, although entertaining 

 no doubt as to his good faith, I kept a watch for 

 other chances, determining that if I could get 

 a berth in any vessel sailing earlier, I would 

 accept it. 



"No such chance, however turned up. Every 

 American ship that sailed was full manned, and 

 ii. many there were extra hands, who were work- 

 ing their passage. So I was compelled to await 

 the expiration of three long weeks ; during which 

 time the sum o*" money I had been paid off with 



