“No, no,” said Vandertallen; “you know better dan me.  Let us be friends, Jim.  I call you Jim; you call me Dutchy, or vat you like.”

“All right, then,” said James Leigh.  “If that is to be the way, I’ll tell you where you are, and if you had run in the same direction other four hours you would have been ashore on the Island of Mocha.”

“Vair is dat?” said Vandertallen, nervously.

“For Heaven’s sake don’t ask such silly questions,” said the mate.  “You are miles out of your reckoning.”

“Vell, I’m d——!” said the amazed skipper.  “Den you must do de reckonin’ now, Jim.”

“That’s all very well, Dutchy, but if I have to do the navigation I am entitled to share the pay.”

“Vary vell,” replied his captain, “dat agree.”

So henceforth they were co-partners in everything—­wages, perquisites, and position; and they never again got out of their reckoning.  It was obvious James was first favourite with the crew, and after the first voyage the veteran owner showed his marked approval.  Jim was allowed to do just as he pleased.  The daughters were charmed with him, and frequently visited the vessel with their father when the officers could not get conveniently to their home.  A strong and growing attachment was quite apparent so far as the girls were concerned.  There seemed to be a preference with both of them for the first mate, who, in turn, fixed his affections on the youngest.  His comrade was not quite satisfied with being so frequently ignored, so remonstrated with Jim to stick to one, and he would stick to the other; but the ladies having to be taken into account, it did not work at all smoothly, as each desired to have Mr. Leigh, and before it was settled the sisters had a violent tiff, which brought about the climax and made it possible for negotiations to be carried on in favour of a settlement.  The father selected the elder girl for Vandertallen, and the younger was fixed on Leigh, who threw himself into the vortex of flirtation with youthful ardour.  He thought at one time of marrying and settling down in Chili, and undoubtedly the owner and daughter gave encouragement to this idea.

But letters began to arrive from home, which had an unsettling effect on him.  He was afraid to give his confidence to the captain lest he might break faith with him, but in truth his mind and heart were centred on a picturesque spot on the side of a Welsh hill, and in that little home there was one who longed to have him back.  Indeed, she had written to say that if he did not come soon to her she would come to him.  These communications revived all the old feelings of affection in his breast, and he resolved to tear himself away from the environment which had gripped him like a vice.  The old Spaniard kept hinting marriage to him each time he paid a visit to the superb villa, but he refused to be drawn into anything definite.  As he said—­

“The place is getting too hot for me.  I must face it sooner or later if I am not to permanently settle in Chili.  Once married it is all over with me.  I will have loads of money, but am I sure it will bring happiness?  I think I must say that I lean towards a daughter of my native land, who may not have wealth, but who has all the attributes that appeal to me.  In a few days I must decide.”