Then I have
my prize-money to touch. Even Neb, wages and prize-money, brings me
nine hundred dollars. With your permission, sir, I should like to give
the fellow his freedom."
"Wait till you are of age, Miles, and then you can do as you please. I
hold four thousand dollars of your invested money, which has been paid
in, and I have placed it in stocks. Altogether, I find we can muster,
in solid cash, more than twenty thousand dollars, while the price of
the ship, as she stands, almost ready for sea, is only fifteen. Now,
go and look at the vessel; if you like her, I will close the bargain
at once."
"But, my dear Mr. Hardinge, do you think yourself exactly qualified to
judge of the value of a ship?"
"Poh! poh! don't imagine I am so conceited as to purchase on my own
knowledge. I have taken some of the very best advice of the
city. There is John Murray, to begin with--a great ship-holder,
himself--and Archibald Gracie, and William Bayard--all capital judges,
have taken an interest in the affair. Three others of my friends have
walked round to look at the vessel, and all approve--not a dissenting
voice."
"May I ask, sir, who have seen her, besides the gentlemen you have
named? they, I admit, are, indeed, good judges."
"Why?--why--yes--do you happen to know anything of Dr.
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