The
skipper accepted the exchange, and was, doubtless, glad to have it
pass off so easily. At the same time he cashed the order, which was
endorsed to him,* and the next morning, the lad went aboard the
brig, apparently in good spirits, having shaken hands with each of
us and wished us a pleasant passage home, jingling the money in his
pockets, and calling out, "Never say die, while there's a shot in
the locker." The same boat carried off Harris, my old watchmate, who
had previously made an exchange with my friend S---.
*When the crew were paid off in Boston, the owners answered the order,
but generously refused to deduct the amount from the pay-roll,
saying that the exchange was made under compulsion. They also
allowed S--- his exchange money.
I was sorry to part with Harris. Nearly two hundred hours (as we had
calculated it) had we walked the ship's deck together, at anchor
watch, when all hands were below, and talked over and over every
subject which came within the ken of either of us. He gave me a strong
gripe with his hand; and I told him, if he came to Boston again, not
to fail to find me out, and let me see an old watchmate.
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