"Well, good morning, guv'nor," Captain Hamilton Miggs said brusquely.
"When you wants me you can lay your hands on me at the old crib, the
_Cock and Cowslip_, Rotherhithe."

As he passed out through the office, Ezra rejoined his father.

"He's a curious chap," he remarked, jerking his head in the direction
which Miggs had taken. "I heard him bellowing like a bull, so I thought
I had best listen to what he had to say. He's a useful servant,
though."

"The fellow's half a savage himself," his father said. "He's in his
element among them. That's why he gets on so well with them."

"He doesn't seem much the worse for the climate, either."

"His body does not, but his soul, Ezra, his soul? However, to return to
business. I wish you to see the underwriters and pay the premium of the
_Black Eagle_. If you see your way to it, increase the policy; but do
it carefully, Ezra, and with tact. She will start about the time of the
equinoctial gales. If anything _should_ happen to her, it would be as
well that the firm should have a margin on the right side."



CHAPTER V.


MODERN ATHENIANS.