Part 42 (2/2)

replied Kit.

”Do you really think of going up there another season?” said Capt.

Mazard.

”Not into Hudson Straits, perhaps,” replied Raed. ”But we are going north again next spring. And, captain, I wish we might again be able to secure your services as well as those of the crew. 'The Curlew'

just suits us. We have got her fitted up for our purpose. We intended to have built a schooner-yacht; but, if you will put a price on 'The Curlew,' we will consider it with a view to buying her.”

Capt. Mazard was unwilling, however, to sell his vessel.

”But I will make you this proposition,” said he: ”I will place 'The Curlew,' with my own services as captain, at your disposal,--you to pay all expenses,--for the sum of fifteen hundred dollars per annum.”

We went below to consult.

”I don't believe we could do better,” remarked Kit. ”It will relieve us of all the cares of building and owners.h.i.+p.”

We were unanimous in that opinion, and immediately closed with the captain's offer.

Our big rifle, howitzer, in short, all our property, has been left on board. The services of Palmleaf, as cook, have been retained; and during the fall, thus far (Nov. 16), we have been making the schooner our floating home, off and on. We have got a good anchorage off from the wharves. Occasionally we make a short trip down the bay, and go on board to have dinner, chat, read, and write, at pleasure. Indeed, this humble narrative has been recorded mostly on board, sitting at the table-shelf in our ”saloon.” We all like the arrangement, and cheerfully recommend it to young gentlemen of similar tastes.

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