Original subtitles

I gave you fair warning, Hoskins.

Warning, Captain?

Twice and you've taken no heed.

I don't know what you're talking about, Captain. Maybe this will revive your

memory.

You're too free with your vests, Captain Banks.

Giving him a taste of his own medicine, sir.

You must learn to control that temper of yours.

Hoskins has a down on one of the apprentices, sir.

That doesn't complain to me, but I've got eyes in my head.

Hoskins cuffs and kicks him at the least excuse.

Now you hope to mend the situation by proving to Hoskins that you can throw a

heavier nook on the needles, eh?

The only language some of you understand.

Well, I never had to bruise my knuckles to see that my orders was carried out.

As master of this ship, you will kindly assert your authority by the strength of

your mind, not by the weight of your fists.

Most owners place a high value on a master with a hard pair of fists.

Then you'd better find such an owner, hadn't you?

You know that when he sets sail with his ship and crew, he never knows what's

going to happen.

When he sets his course and he knows his destination, he might have his mind

that strips could be like any other, but the minds of men are as unpredictable

as the weather, sir.

I know many a master who might have had a mutiny on his hands when not the fact

that each and every member of his crew has a healthy respect for the measure of

his shoulders.

In certain unusual circumstances, it may become necessary to bruise a man's

face, but that must only serve to remind that master that he has failed to

assert his authority by more superior means.

Well, that be all, sir.

I've got an urgent appointment ashore.

Not with another owner, I hope.

Morning, Mr. O 'Neill. Morning. Captain Bates. Morning, ma 'am. Oh, Captain

Bates, is my recommendation a good one? I shall know directly. I'm on my way

there now.

Oh, Captain Bates.

The ceiling in his room was leaking, and the landlord refused to have it

repaired.

I went round yesterday to take a look at the room, and the man hurled abuse at

me.

Captain Baines said there is no way in which to address the lady and... And

promptly broke the landlord's nose.

Simply a cut over the man's eye.

I'm afraid it didn't help matters.

Our Captain Baines has to look for other accommodation.

It's a good thing, too, how he put up with living in those dreadful

Oh, come, we weren't all brought up with a... With a silver spoon in our mouth,

yes, I do realise that.

But surely everyone should continually struggle to better his condition. Oh,

you have better, Captain Baines, as...

by having him thrown out in the street?

I must say, it was rather gallant of Captain Baines to defend me like that.

you needed defending, did you?

Certainly not.

But being a defenceless woman now and then is a luxury one shouldn't deny

oneself.

And for such a situation, Captain Baines is perfection itself.

No messy scuffling and brawling, just one clean fist.

I'm sober and done with.

Captain Baines informs me that you wish to sail with us to Havana.

Yes.

I am to meet my late husband's business partner there.

He has some important matters he wishes to discuss.

Yes, I gather your husband was a very successful businessman. Yes, indeed he

was. He was concerned not only in railroads. He had fingers in various

over the world.

Consequently, I saw little of him during our three years of marriage.

Forgive my curiosity.

Of course.

What would you like to know about my late husband?

No, not your husband, Captain Baines. To whom or what did you recommend him?

Good

morning,

Mrs. Darling.

Yes? If I may introduce myself, Captain Baines.

I understand you have a vacancy for a lodger.

Yes, I do.

And then again, I do not.

Would you come in, please?

Thank you.

Through there.

Well now, Captain, the position is this.

My last lodger left rather suddenly last week. And since that time, I've had no

less than five applicants.

If I might inquire who...

Oh, Mrs. Caroline Maudsley.

Would you sit down, Captain... Baines.

W. Baines.

W? William.

Are you what they term a drinking man, Captain Baines?

Oh, I feel like a noggin down there to keep the damp out.

I needed it, my last lodges, too, I can tell you.

Oh, why not? You call it drinking, ma 'am. I'm no... What time do you normally

retire? Well, let's see. You see, when one is alone in the house, one likes to

know that the doors are securely bolted before one retires.

Alone, did you say? When my brother is away at sea, that is.

But I understood that you were... My husband died three years ago.

Lost at sea.

I'm sorry to hear that, ma 'am.

Captain William Darley.

You knew him?

Oh, I never say it with him, ma 'am, but a highly respected master, as I

understand. Indeed he was, highly respected by all who knew him. A fine

And a perfect husband to me.

You're a big man, Captain.

Oh, yeah.

You might say a diet of salt beef and cracker ash hasn't done my constitution

that much harm.

My William was a big man.

Are you a fighting man, Captain?

Oh, no, I wouldn't say that.

I think a master should command his crew by more superior means, by strength of

his own character.

Oh, no, I'm not a believer in the law of the fist.

I'm a quiet man myself. There's nothing I like better than being tucked away in

my bunk with a good book.

I'm seldom to be found without a volume on my person.

It was always my William's boat that he could lick each and every member of his

crew. A boat that was not an idle one, believe me.

The hero of the Singapore maze. He and his mate took on a crew of 17 men,

including a brute of a boatman. And quelled a mutiny. As my brother Tom

we'll never see his like in Liverpool again.

Well, as I say, I'm a quiet man myself, but I'll not turn the other cheek or

fail to chastise a man with a fist or two if the occasion demands it.

I see.

Is that you, Tom?

Yes, Nancy.

They were all screwed up on that Fraser ship.

This is my brother, Tom Ballantyne, Captain Baines.

Captain Baines is going to be our new lodger.

Tom's looking for a ship. Has been for the past two months.

Ordinary seaman, eh?

Able seaman and a very good cook.

A cook, eh?

Our father was cook at the Royal Hotel. We both take after him.

Well, our stomachs are in sore need of an expert hand in the galley.

You left these on the kitchen table. Thank you, ma 'am. I was just looking at

the frame.

Nice and strong.

Is everything to your liking?

Nice ceiling, too.

My last lodging's, I might as well be sleeping in the fo 'c'sle.

I moved the bed back to where it was before Mr Parsons came.

Mr Parsons?

Our last lodger.

Oh, he left suddenly last week, you said.

He wanted to sleep with his head next to that wall because... Well, I sleep with

my head next to that wall.

Oh. He was such a polite, quiet man. You wouldn't know you had a lodger in the

house. And then quite unexpectedly, last Monday, he came up behind me on the

stairs and asked me to marry him.

He flew into such a passion. I've never heard such words from the mouth of a

man. You'd have thought I was the Queen of Sheba, the way he carried on. I'm

sure such things couldn't have come from the man himself.

He must have read them in books.

Oh, let me take those, ma 'am.

Thank you.

He was a draper's assistant.

I had to tell him to leave, of course. Oh, of course.

He tore those curtains down and the covers from my bed.

He'd got the material for me at cost price, you see. I was terrified.

Oh, of course.

He was down on his knees in the kitchen, weeping like a child. And then he ran

up here and refused to budge. What happened? I threw him into the street

bag's through that window.

Dinner's ready.

Dinner is prepared, Captain Baines.

Thank you, madam. So you'll have a chance to sample Tom's cooking before he

sails with you.

Thank you.

Did you ever meet my sister's late husband?

No. No, I didn't. He was a fine man.

The finest I ever met.

Well, one thing's for sure.

My sister will never see his like again.

Allow me to thank you for escorting me.

In future, Miss Biddiff, I hope you won't be foolish enough to go walking

the quayside alone after dark.

Yes, it was foolish of me.

I keep the house clean for Captain O 'Neill.

Aye, so I've heard.

Good night, Miss Biddiff.

Good night.

Captain Fogarty.

I wouldn't want you to have the wrong impression of my visiting Captain O

'Neill. Why, you come here, it's none of my business.

Yes, I know, but it's my duty to assure... You don't want to be the cause

malicious gossip that might harm Mr. O 'Neill.

Yes, exactly.

Well, that's one way of catching a man, I suppose.

But not mine.

We're not all like Mrs. Fraser, you know.

What do you mean by that?

Oh, I'm very sorry, I didn't mean that.

You here to see me, Snoggety?

No, I, uh, just brought me some bitter foam.

Good night, Miss Bidder.

Home.

No wonder everybody thinks this is your home, the amount of time that you spend

here.

I didn't think you'd be here yet. I was to have your dinner prepared.

Take it you know that Captain Fogarty has a wife.

Of course I do.

Well, then, if you take my advice...

You'll steer well clear of him. I don't think you understand.

Oh, I understand all too well the kind of man he is.

In your own interests, steer away from him.

You needn't bother cook for me tonight. I've already eaten.

You're sailing, then?

I'm, uh... Normally, I... I don't mind a bit. I get restless ashore, and I'm

more than ready when it's time to sail, but this time I... I'll keep your books

well -dusted.

Thank you, ma 'am.

I have a friend of mine. He's a fanatical horticulturist, and he grows

flowers than he knows what to do with them. He gives them to me, and sometimes

never know quite what to do.

Here.

Thank you, Captain Baines. That's very kind of you.

One of the stems is broken. I'm sorry.

William always used to give me flowers.

Thank you again, Captain Baines.

Look after yourself, then.

Watch out for the damp and don't leave off your vest.

You know how sensitive you are. Don't fuss, Nancy.

Goodbye, then.

Goodbye?

Don't forget your cake.

And I baked one for you too, Captain Danes.

Thank you, ma 'am.

Well, then.

To both of you.

A safe voyage.

The space in the hold, I'd say we was ten tons short.

I disagree, sir.

Did you know that the ship's tallyman was drunk when we were loading? I

know about that, sir. But you knew there was a dispute about four wagon loads.

Well, the mate assured me that the four wagon loads were not short. And I say

they were.

The newsmaster of the ship should have seen that the bills of lading were

ten tons less in dispute. And if I'm bored to be delivered, I know that well

enough, sir, but I insist we've a full cargo.

Go, then.

Well, we'll see who's right when we get to Havana.

Where's the cure? A carving knife, sir. He cut two fingers rather badly. I stem

the bleeding, but I didn't want him serving food with a bloody bandage in

presence of a lady.

Right, I understand about that.

It smells even more delicious than yesterday at lunch.

Thank you, ma 'am.

Well, you did well hiring that man, Benz, eh?

Seems I did, sir.

Wraith atop, sir.

Wraith atop, sir.

Mr. O 'Neden, Captain Baines is unwell.

Oh, dear.

My stomach, sir.

Most terrible pain.

Oh, he's not that hot. I doubt if you have a fever.

Well, you'd better stay in your bunk then, eh? No, but I'm required to... No,

no, leave it to me.

It's not too bad. Do as you're told, Captain Baines.

Seems our new cook's food is a bit too good.

Now we're suffering from indigestion.

Well, this isn't on the captain.

In my experience, captains really come down to the galley unless they're forced

to complain.

And I'm proud to say I've never given them cause.

Oh, you haven't got a complaint to make, have you, Captain?

And a little tale to tell you, Valentine.

I'll tell you that. Well, I've work to do while you're telling me, Captain.

So what, you want that coffee and have lunch to get ready?

Well, I knew a cook once held a long hatred for a particular bosun. Now, why

that? Well, no reason was ever given. Perhaps only the Almighty knew that. But

this bosun, he started to suffer with the most mysterious pains in his

Mysterious pains, Captain?

Captain wasn't noted for his medical knowledge.

Oh, how many of them are?

Still, they have a medical dictionary with a nice wide variety of terms, and

they're never really lost for a diagnosis.

You're a lot more talkative at sea than you are ashore, aren't you?

Oh, that's another one for the Almighty to explain, eh, Captain? Or maybe it's

the effects of the, uh, Coke's privileged bottle of whiskey.

Well, you're not going to find me for that, are you, Captain? I mean, one top,

that's all I had.

Well, this boatswain I spoke of, he was buried at sea, so they never did find

out what he died of.

You mean the Captain didn't enter the illness from the log? Oh, he entered

he considered it to be.

Oh, I thought you must have done. Well, it looks much neater than cause of death

unknown, and it gives the owners more confidence in their masters.

Well, two years later, the cook confessed.

He'd been poisoning the bosoms slowly over two months of the voyage.

You wouldn't mind telling me where all this is leading, Captain, unless you

to forget all the sauce in your pork.

Oh, coffee.

Oh,

sorry you were saying, Captain.

Yeah, well, here's a steward's finger.

Oh, it healed nicely, thank you, Captain. A clean bandage and I'll be fit

wait on table again.

Save my legs a bit.

Yeah.

Captain. Yeah.

What was the point of that little tale?

I haven't got the measure of you yet, Ballantyne. Oh, I'm a simple man,

Then maybe you'll tell me in simple terms what it is you hold against me.

Captain Darling was a fine man.

And now he's a dead one. Let's talk about the living like you and me.

When he died... My sister Nancy made up her mind she'd never marry again. Women

are noted for changing their minds.

Not my sister Nancy.

There's no likelihood of her ever meeting up with Captain Darling's equal.

He could lick any man in Liverpool.

He even licked me.

Oh, you fancy yourself with your fists, eh?

I used to fight for prizes, but since I acquired something of a reputation...

Nobody would take you on. That's about the gist of it, Captain.

Oh,

Captain.

If any man took it in his mind to make a proposal of marriage to my sister, he'd

have to reckon with me first.

Miss Biddulph.

May I come in?

What's that maid doing allowing you below unannounced?

Well, that's quite all right. I said you were expecting me.

You said what?

And don't concern yourself with my walking unaccompanied on the quayside

The coachman has caught me all the way down.

Is it the companion where you call it?

Now, look here, Miss Biddulph.

Biddulph.

Aren't you going to ask me to sit down?

Miss Biddulph.

Are you in the habit of invading men's privacy?

I came to thank you for escorting me to Mr. O 'Neill's home the other evening.

You thanked me well enough at the time.

Now, look.

Mr. O 'Neill may be foolish enough to suffer you coming and going to his house

as you please, but I'll not have it aboard my ship.

I really came to crave your pardon for that awful remark I made about Mrs.

Fraser. It was unforgivable of me.

Why have you come here?

I should have realized that you... Well, that you have a certain regard for Mrs.

Fraser. I have more than a certain regard for her.

We were to be married once before she met Albert Fraser.

And now would you kindly leave? I've work to do.

The master's cabin.

The perfect retreat.

Cloistered from the wiles of women.

You know, James... Mr. O 'Neill, that is.

He was very angry when he found us together the other evening.

So you wanted to be seen coming here, eh?

You thought to use me in order to... You silly little...

Kindly get off my ship, Miss Biddulph. Don't come back again or I might.

Very well, Captain Fogarty, if you'll allow me to pass.

On the other hand...

It isn't every day that a beautiful young girl comes into a master's cabin

offers to... Very well. Good day, Captain Fogarty. I'll tell you

Biddle.

I've little time for Mr.

Allneedy, and why anyone should want to marry him is beyond me.

But if that's what you want, you'll have to stop behaving like a silly little

girl and grow up.

Really, Captain Baines, I find that rather hard to believe.

So do I, ma 'am, but that's the truth of it.

Tom Ballantyne seems to think that if I can lick him, I'm a fit man to make a

proposal of marriage to his sister.

You're intending a proposal of marriage, then, Captain? The man is darn right

peculiar. He seems to think that every lodger they have at that house is intent

on marrying his sister, and is incumbent upon himself to prove us all unworthy

of her.

Well, I suppose any man who could cook that well must be a trifle odd.

Odd's hardly the word for both him and his sister.

I mean, they've remained here for testing a man. She even gave me a set of

questions for my lodgership, and now her brother.

I'm beginning to wish I'd never set foot in Mrs. Darling's.

Oh, it's not your fault, ma 'am. You were to know what a peculiar pair they

Oh, she is a pleasant woman.

Aye, I admit that.

Most pleasant in some ways.

But buying a bunch of flowers for a woman doesn't commit you to chaining

yourself down for the rest of your life. Oh, no. I know what a woman can do to

her. Meaning Mrs. O 'Neden.

No, that's not what I meant.

Mrs. O 'Neden was a very fine woman.

A woman any man would gladly be chained to.

The hardest thing that a woman like that can do to a man is to die.

And if Tom Ballantyne continues to provoke me into proving my worthiness,

sail into Liverpool with his front teeth missing.

Front teeth missing?

Oh, I've just explained to Mrs. Morsley the nasty effects of scurvies.

Get on with you.

Just you're not urging our hero on to further acts of gallantry on your

I understand your desire to reform his rough -and -ready ways, but that man is

being unduly provoked by Tom Ballantyne.

Baines certainly has a way of getting the women on his side.

So she used to take Captain Baines's part, did she?

Look, must you go against me in everything, just out of plain

Go against you?

and mighty opinion of yourself if you think I spend my waking hours stubbornly

going in the opposite direction from James O 'Neden.

Oh, she's a fine woman.

A woman any man would gladly be chained to.

Will I never stop hearing about that woman and how much you are suffering at

loss of her?

lost my husband.

He was murdered before my eyes.

But no one ever asks about how I might be feeling or how much I'm suffering at

his loss.

That was ungracious of me, considering I owe my life to you.

Oh, come.

All I did was to pick you up out of the sea.

I'd have done the same for a dog.

Oh, you do say the most... charming things to a woman.

Oh, and I suppose your husband was the most charming and elegant man. Yes, he

was. Well, surely he too must have had some faults. Well, if so, I never had

opportunity of learning them.

As I knew him, he was virtuous, courageous, and scrupulously honest.

And he had a most remarkable judgment.

I never knew him to be wrong in his assessment of anything or anyone.

in business or in private life.

What's this I hear about you visiting Daniel Fogarty aboard his ship?

Yes, it's true, I did. So you admit it?

Yes, I do. You are aware that he has a wife?

Of course I am. Tongues are wagging.

Indeed.

Well, if you've no consideration for his wife, at least have a mind to your own

reputation. I am most grateful, Mrs. Fraser, for your concern on my behalf.

Stay away from Daniel. Your brother has already advised me on that. Tell me, is

Captain Fogarty your need in property?

There are matters you do not understand. Then perhaps you'd better enlighten me.

It's none of your business.

Just stay away from Daniel.

Thirteen tons short.

You estimated ten tons.

An underestimation on my part.

To be able to assess such a small discrepancy in such a vast amount of

It is quite remarkable.

You do not think so, Captain Baines?

Well, I've always respected Mr. Leden's judgment.

And I admit I'm the man responsible for the loss of the 13 tons.

I should have been more watchful when they were loading in Liverpool.

Well, no doubt your mind was elsewhere on that particular day.

You referring to Mrs. Darling?

Mrs. Darling.

Well, Tom Ballantyne thinks it's my intention to... That's my business. I

up my own mind, thank you.

I've no need to have it made up for me.

A soup of my own invention, ma 'am. Thank you, Ballantyne.

A favourite with most of the masters I've sailed with. I hope it's to your

taste, sir.

Steward cut another finger.

Oh, if you'll remember, Captain, you instructed him to lend a hand with the

unloading of the coal.

He's not got a strong back, Paul Ladner. He's in great pain.

I could hardly serve table in his present bent condition.

Thank you.

Lost your appetite, Captain Baines?

I want to speak to you.

And don't look so innocent. You know well enough why I'm here.

What's that mean? No doubt your mate is accustomed to women coming and going to

your cabin as they please.

Oh, Miss Biddulph.

The young hussy.

She knows you have a wife.

Have I?

Oh, so that's how you ensnared her.

My wife is no wife to me, Miss Biddulph. Please take pity on a poor, lonely sea

captain.

Have you no sense of shame? I thought you were going to say that.

The same words were said to me so many times when I was expecting your child.

The child conceived in a ship's cabin. And now I find that this bit -off woman

has been visiting you here. On one occasion, that's all.

Once is enough.

At least it was for me.

Defiling an innocent young girl. Only a moment ago she was a hussy. And all you

can do is smile.

I smile because her reasons for coming here have not resulted in the reaction

she intended. Or should I say, not from the intended quarter.

I wish you'd lose that irritating habit of talking in pretentious riddles.

Well, I'll put it simply.

Miss Biddulph came here because she wanted to know if I... Did you make

Yes.

It's beautiful. I had no idea you did this sort of thing.

Well, I don't.

That is, I... I thought I'd try my hand at it. The carpenter, he made one for

his lad, so I thought... It's for William, though.

Yes.

Miss Biddulph came here because she was... Oh, thank you, Miss Biddulph.

Don't you want to know why she came here? I know you, Daniel. That's quite

enough for me.

I'm not sure I understand you.

Well, no man likes to think of himself as being solid, dependable and virtuous.

Makes him so dull.

When will you give it to him?

The model.

When do you suggest will be a convenient time for me to call?

How very formal. I'm just trying to live up to your opinion of me.

Poor Daniel. I hurt you just then, didn't I?

That was your intention, was it not?

I must go.

So I must beg you to stay.

You are so conceited, Daniel Fogarty. Oh, come now, Elizabeth. Don't blemish

list of virtues you've just endowed me with. A hollow, pretentious man stuffed

with his own animal. Excellent, Elizabeth. You know, you'd have done

yourself on the stage. I hate you, Daniel Fogarty.

Well, here you are on the key side, Elizabeth. Then what will become of my

solid, dependable character?

I hate you.

in my food.

If you're feeling unwell in the stomach, Captain, then I can give you something

which will take away your discomfort.

Oh, no doubt you can. Something to send me to the bottom of the... If you've any

accusations to make, Captain, we'd better talk to Mr. O 'Neill.

You realize, Captain Baines, that as Valentine says, this is a very serious

accusation. Yes, sir.

All right.

Well, firstly then, what makes you think Valentine would do such a thing?

Well, he doesn't want me to marry his sister.

Oh, as I see.

I can only say, sir, that Mike Thifter has no intention of marrying anyone.

So why should I go to such terrible lengths?

If I might be permitted, sir. Ah, yes, pal, I can.

Would you respect, Captain, you're not a young man. You've had many years at

sea, and you... I know what you're going to say, the conditions of the food.

Well, there's been nothing wrong with my stomach before this.

If you'll pardon my saying, Captain, it's the first time for everything.

Now, listen... I think you wish to see the hound.

Oh, yes.

I understand that you're Captain Darling's brother -in -law. Oh, that I

Fine master.

The finest any man ever sailed.

He once broke one of my ribs in the proven of it. He commanded respect from

everyone at William Darling. Yes, while his fists were flying.

But I wonder how many sailors, including myself, couldn't resist a little sigh

of relief when they heard the sad news of his drowning.

Is it possible that you couldn't resist a little sigh yourself, Valentine?

I'd like your permission,

Mr. Needham, to give a chicken or two for tomorrow's dinner.

Oh, now, that's a request for the captain.

You know that, Valentine.

Aye, aye, sir.

Your card, Valentine. Valentine?

So, Baines to marry, you say, eh?

Well,

if ever I knew a confirmed bachelor... Now, I think he has a genuine affection

for the woman.

Baines just can't resist a challenge.

Valentine says to him, you cannot marry my sister, so Baines says, oh, yes, I

can. Go, go, allow me to know me own masters.

Well, perhaps you're right.

But the true challenge comes not from Tom Valentine.

It comes from Captain Darling.

And dead opponents aren't as easy to fight.

Well, I suppose the only way to prove which one of us is right is for Baines

lick Valentine.

Then he'll be free to make up his own mind.

I know you have given him express instructions not to brawl with members

crew. Well, it's degrading for a master to do so.

But not degrading for a master to be subtly taunted and to remain powerless

fight back.

That Mr. O 'Neden told me to request your permission, Captain.

For what, Valentine?

To kill two chickens, Captain.

Chickens, eh?

It's come to my ears that my soup doesn't seem to agree with your stomach.

thought chickens might be appropriate.

Appropriate? Chickens.

I'll see the chickens for myself, Valentine.

of our cards on the deck. You want to fight between us, but to what purpose?

You win or I win?

I don't see what difference that makes to whether I ask your sister or no.

I'd lick you with the right hand latched to the main mast.

And then you go back and tell her how you did it, eh?

Then she'd have nothing more to do with me, is that it? Well, it's a queer way

for a woman to choose a man she'll marry. Or maybe she has no choice in the

matter, is that it?

Well, come on, speak up, man.

You know you haven't a chance of licking me, Captain.

That's why you're hiding behind Mr. and Eden's orders.

I'd like your opinion.

On what?

Well, I know most shipping lines like to provide some light entertainment for

the relaxation of the sailors' minds and bodies.

Mrs. Maudsley was only saying that yesterday, sir. Well, she's just been

it all over again to me.

In my opinion, that kind of thing leads to a slack ship.

However, for the sake of our lady passenger, can you suggest anything

line?

Oh,

Tappy Wells believes the mouth organ, sir?

And, uh, well, I could read a lad a poem or two, sir.

Mrs. Maudsley's suggestion was of a more lively nature, I'd say.

Like what, sir?

A prize fight.

Can you suggest two possible contestants?

Well, uh, Ballantyne here, he is a prize fighter, sir. Yes, sir, I've heard.

Well, Ballantyne? Only too willing to oblige the lady, Mr. O 'Neill.

But I doubt if there's another man on board willing to take his chances with

Your reputation.

Yes, I'd offer to tie one hand behind my back, but... But that wouldn't help. I

doubt it, sir.

Shame, shame.

Mrs. Morsley will be disappointed that her ideas of entertainment of the crew

all came to nothing.

Mr. O 'Neill, sir.

Rather than ignore the lady's suggestion, I'll put up my fist with

here.

A generous act on the master's part, wouldn't you say?

Generous? Well, he puts his authority in jeopardy if he loses.

By exposing himself to the ridicule of the crew.

He has good reason to see me stressed on the deck.

And that's in his favour, is it not? Oh, well, of course. This is only bought to

you for the amusement of your fellow shipmates, isn't it?

I'd say that the generous man in this affair, sir, was you.

Considering what you've just done for Captain Baines.

spiting your orders to the contrary.

You certainly know there are people to bow and smile to, don't you, Ballantyne?

Understand this, sir.

My sister Nancy's a good woman, with a clean, comfortable home of her own. Oh,

so she owns the home.

Aye, it was Captain Darling's. And my sister and the house are the good catch

for any voyage -weary sailor who happens her way.

Well, I appreciate your burden, Ballantyne.

Oh, don't fret on my account, sir. I have the shoulders for the carrying of

Well, tomorrow you'll be able to prove it.

Stop off at San Miguel for fresh water.

Ideal place for such entertainment.

I'll try to make it as entertaining as I possibly can for the lady passengers.

You know, you're quite right, Ballantyne.

After the hard voyage, most sailors look forward to a neat, comfortable home to

come back to.

Maybe even you, eh?

Not another one of your inventions, are you? Oh, that's not for consumption.

What is it?

A mixture of turpentine, saltpeter, vinegar and bay salt.

What's it doing here in the galley?

It's for pickling, sir. Pickling?

Saltpeter and turpentine.

Heads are hard, so hands have to be harder.

I brought the ship for William.

Oh, pity.

He's spending the day with his grandfather.

His grandfather.

Well, if, uh... If you'll tell him I left it for him.

I suppose I should apologize to you for my rather unseemly departure from your

cabin the other day. Well, there's no need. Did no harm. Well, quite the

opposite. Since both you and Miss Biddle came to my cabin, my mate has a new and

profound respect for me as a lady killer.

It'll not work a second time.

I beg your pardon?

You'll not rile me again, Daniel.

Forgive me, Elizabeth. It's a pleasure I've learned from you.

Elizabeth.

Every time we meet, we're like two birds in separate cages, fluttering and

pecking as if the cages themselves weren't enough to keep us apart.

You make pretty speeches for a seaman.

You ever thought what it would have been like if we had married, you and I?

No, I haven't.

But, um, on consideration, you'd afford me to distract you.

And you'd have sent me to the madhouse with your whims and fickle ways.

There we are, then.

Now we've opened our hearts to each other.

I tell William you made the model with your own clever hands.

Though I must say he's not all that fond of ships.

Well, lad, neither was I.

And even now.

I'll give up the sea, Elizabeth.

Leave Liverpool, go anywhere, do anything, if you'll come with me.

You've a wife. Who keeps me from her bed. And you've a husband who'll never

back to you.

Come with me, Elizabeth.

There's William to consider.

We'll take him with us, our son.

It's madness even to think of. How so? Everything contrives to bring us

together, don't you see that? No, Daniel.

Why do you always say no when you mean yes? I mean no.

Do you really think I'd give up my life here and go away with you? Your life

here? What life? You'll alone... Go away with you to what?

What have you to offer me?

Give up the sea, and what would you do to keep us fed and clothed? Make model

ships?

Sailmakers made a good job of these at such short notice.

We are going according to Queensbury rules, I take it. Yes, indeed,

Now, Captain Baines, you are acquainted with the rules?

On the deck till the counter tan is a loser. That's all I know, sir. No

wrestling or butting with the head.

Rules or no rules, that's not my way of fighting anyway.

How many rounds, sir?

Time enough, eh?

Indeed so, sir.

Now, your part, when I shout time.

Got you caught.

Well, good luck, gentlemen.

May the best man win.

If what you say about Captain Baines is correct, it should be very short

entertainment.

One punch and it's all over.

I have every faith in Captain Baines's right hand.

Wouldn't care to put a wager on that, would you?

Yes, I would.

But not with you.

As referee, it might influence your judgment.

Right.

Yet not till I'm on that deck for a count of ten.

Hard fists, that Valentine, eh?

Like irons.

Soak beater and turpentine.

In a pot.

In a galley.

Got him to chuck it over the side, of course.

Is that way to get into a man's food?

to make up your own mind.

Oh, yes, ma 'am.

Well, perhaps you've already made it up.

The wind's fresh, eh?

I'll go out and shorten sail.

I suspect you're right. Yes, again, Mr. O 'Neill?

Now, Captain Baines has answered that challenge. He seems to have lost all

interest in Nancy Darling.

No, Mrs. Borsley.

For once, I must bow to your judgment.

You think Captain Baines truly intends a proposal of marriage?

Seems he bought a ring while in Havana.

Oh.

Well, the sly dog.

$10 .75.

That's not a gesture of true intent. I don't know what is.

I've neglected to ask you.

Was your business with George successfully conducted?

Yes.

Yes, it was.

What?

I'm afraid I...

discovered one or two things about my late husband that I was not aware of.

I see.

It seems that he was not as scrupulously honest as I had imagined him to be.

And on learning some of the quite drastic mistakes he made,

it seems his judgment left a lot to be desired.

I think I knew it all along.

I suppose one tends to...

Idealize one's memories of the death.

Aye.

One does.

Mrs. Morsley, would you care for a drink of sherry?

Thank you, Mr. O 'Neill.

Here's to your very good health, Mrs... Would you think it highly improper of me

if I was to call you Caroline?

Not at all, Mr. O 'Neill.

Right, then.

You're very good health, Caroline.

And yours, James.

Captain Bain.

Did you have a good voyage?

I, ma 'am, I did.

Uneventful, my brother says.

Aye, uneventful.

Was I not right about his cooking?

Oh, indeed you were, ma 'am.

He can be a strange boy at times. Mrs. Darling, while I've been away, I've been

doing a bit of serious thinking. You see, both our parents were killed in the

big fire at the Royal Hotel, and ever since that time, he has quite naturally

turned to me. Oh, I've always lived my life my own way, you see. Looked after

myself, taking care of my own troubles, but... As I said, whilst I've been away,

I've been doing a bit of serious thinking and I've come to a big

Mrs. Dowden, I want to ask you... Excuse me.

Captain Baines, this is Mr.

Parsons.

Pleased to meet you. I believe I mentioned him to you. Did you?

He was lodging here before you came.

Oh, I... Mr. Parsons and I are going to be married.

So I know you'll understand the situation and look for other

soon as possible.