He was
six feet and one inch in height, and as thin as a rail; but he was a
very wiry man, and it was said that he could stand more hunger, thirst,
exposure, and hardship than any other living man. He was a gentleman in
his manners, and had formerly been in command of a ship in the employ of
Captain Passford. He was not quite fifty years old, and he had seen
service in all parts of the world, and in his younger days had been a
master's mate in the navy.
The second officer was superintending the crew as they put things to
rights for the voyage. His person was in striking contrast with his
superior officer; for he weighed over two hundred pounds, and looked as
though he were better fitted for the occupancy of an alderman's chair
than for a position on the deck of a sea-going vessel. He was under
forty years of age, but he had also been in command of a bark in the
employ of his present owner.
"Of course we cannot undertake the difficult enterprise before us,
Breaker, without an armament of some sort," said Captain Passford, as
they halted at the companionway.
"I should say not, and I was wondering how you intended to manage in
this matter," replied the commander.
"I will tell you, for our first mission renders it necessary to give
some further orders before we go below," continued the owner. "We have
not a day or an hour to waste."
"The sooner we get at the main object of the expedition, the better will
be our chances of success.
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