"He'd rather give me money than have me tell his relation what sort
of a duck he is," said Lesher to himself.
After this incident the time passed pleasantly enough for over a
week. When Baxter came from the brig he went to work without a word.
Whenever he passed the Rovers or the girls he acted as if he did not
know they were there, and they ignored him just as thoroughly. But
the boys watched every move the bully made.
As mentioned before, Jack Lesher was a drinking man, and as the
weather grew warmer the mate increased his potions until there was
scarcely a day when he was thoroughly sober. Captain Blossom remonstrated
with him, but this did little good.
"I'm attending to my duties," said Lesher. "And if I do that you
can't expect more from me."
"I thought I hired a man that was sober," said Captain Blossom. "I
won't place my vessel in charge of a man who gets drunk."
Yet he was not willing to do the mate's work, or put that work onto
others, so Jack Lesher had to take his turn on deck, no matter in
what condition.
"I must say I don't like that first mate at all," said Tom to Sam.
"He is very friendly with Baxter."
"I have noticed that," replied the youngest Rover. "Such a friendship
doesn't count in the mate's favor."
"Last night he was thoroughly drunk, and wasn't fit to command."
"Well, that is Captain Blossom's lookout. The captain can't be on
deck all of the time.
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