I have a skookum young second mate in the
Florence Ricks that I'm training for a captain, and I want to switch
him in on the Humboldt Bay run for the sake of the experience. And,
of course, you know how it is with masters--they like to think they're
selecting their own mates, and always resent any interference from
their owners. And if you do ask them to take a certain mate they're
apt to suspect he's a spy from the office, and--well, you understand.
I'd prefer to have this lad I have in mind go aboard as if you had
sent him."
"I understand, Mr. Ricks. I'll let you know the first time Kjellin
wires in."
CHAPTER XXVIII
CAPPY HAS A HEART
"Well, Matt," said Cappy Ricks, cheerfully, as he shook hands with the
late second mate of the Florence Ricks. "We don't see much of each
other now that you're a mate. But don't worry, you'll be a master
again, and then you'll be dropping in here a couple of times a month
pestering me for a lot of things for your ship that you could probably
get along without. You're looking fit, my boy."
"I'm feeling fit, sir," Matt replied, grinning.
"I'm glad to hear it," was Cappy's grim reply. "Hum! Harump-h-h-h!
Let me see now. You've had your course in the Mendocino dog-holes,
and that's over. I hope you learned something.
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