"
David Flett's habits were well known to me, and on seeing the good
man's genial face I at once thought of a way in which he could be
of service to me. It is always well to have a friend in court. Why
should he not be asked to get me a berth on one of the outgoing
ships?
"Tak' a seat, now," said he, as he placed a stool for me in a warm
corner of the cabin. "Tak' a seat and tell us a' that's passing in
Stromness this while back, and then we'll get something to eat."
While he was asking questions and listening to my replies, I
quietly observed the miscellaneous contents of the cabin. A curious
place it was--half cabin and half shop. From the ceiling hung many
hams and pieces of bacon, smoked geese, pots and pans, bundles of
tallow candles, and strings of onions. On two shelves nailed
athwart the compartment were rows of canisters containing coffee,
tea, rice, and other luxuries and necessaries, besides bottles of
drugs, bars of soap, squares of salt, and other articles of
commerce, to be retailed to customers in the remote islands.
Presently a seaman, who was addressed as Jerry, came below and took
the potatoes from the fire, while the skipper drew a small table to
the middle of the floor and set it ready for dinner. The potatoes
were placed in a large dish in the centre of the table where we
could all reach them, and a joint of corned beef was added, with
plenty of oatcakes, cheese, and salt butter.
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