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“A good haul for the mate,” said I.

“The balance of sixty-one odd thousand dollars,” he went on, “goes to the men according to their rating. This they will receive over and above their wages, which average from three to six pounds a month.”

“I think Mr. Tulp’s division into shares very fair,” said I.

“Now,” said he, “why do I tell you all this? Why am I revealing to you what not a living soul on board knows or even suspects?”

I regarded him in silence.

“Cannot you anticipate the proposal I intend to make? Will you take Van Laar’s place on board my brig, and act as my mate?”

I started from my chair. Not for an instant had I suspected that his motive in telling me his story was to enable him to make this offer. I started with so much vehemence that Galloon growled, stirred, and elevated his ears.

“It is a magnificent proposal,” said I. “It is an offer of six thousand pounds.”

“More,” he interrupted. “Your wages will be ten pounds a month.”

“I do not like the idea,” said I after a pause, “of taking Van Laar’s place.”