_AN OLD TIME SKIPPER_
Jack Redland decided to take a trip to Fremantle in the "Golden Land,"
and arranged for his passage before leaving the office; he was surprised
at the low amount charged.
The manager watched them as they left with Captain Seagrave, and
thought:
"You little know what you are in for. I would not make a trip to
Australia in the 'Golden Land' for a hundred pounds, how the deuce
Seagrave manages to get the old tub out there safely beats me. She'll go
down for certain before long. I hope it will not be this trip."
Captain Seagrave was in a jovial frame of mind, and he liked his
company. He admired pluck and knew his companions had plenty of it, or
they would not have ventured on such a trip without asking a few more
questions.
"What sort of a steamer is the 'Golden Land'?" asked Jack.
Job Seagrave smiled as he replied:
"She's not what you'd call a floating palace; every time I sail in her I
fancy it will be her last voyage, but she holds well together, and I
know how to handle her, although she has as many humours as a
thoroughbred."