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"Yes, sir. The appearances were false, but as for seamanship,

sir, this vessel could not do what she does were it not for the

strict training aboard her, sir. I'll wager our lads can

out-maneuver and outsail any schooner of her tonnage on the seas,

Gloucestermen included. The navy is easy compared to our

discipline."

"But what holds the men to it if it's so hard?"

"Double wages and loyalty to the captain."

"Captain Foraker?"

"Yes, sir. There, sir, that tie is beautiful. Now the waistcoat

and coat. If you will permit me, sir, you look, as I might say,

'andsome, begging your pardon."

Code flushed and looked into the glass that hung against the wall

of his cabin. He barely recognized the clean-shaven, clear-eyed,

broad shouldered youth he saw there as the rough, salty skipper

of the schooner Charming Lass. He wondered with a chuckle what

Pete Ellinwood would say if he could see him.

"And now, sir, if you're ready, just come with me, sir. Dinner is

at seven, and it is now a quarter to the hour."