It is always easier to work upon the sensitiveness of a spirited and generous-minded man, than to influence him by force or apprehensions.  Roswell had never liked the idea of leaving Daggett behind him, at that season, and in that latitude; and he relished it still less, now that he saw a false reason might be attributed to his conduct.

“You certainly do not dream of wintering here, Captain Daggett?” he said, after a pause.

“Not if I can help it.  But the schooner can never go back to the Vineyard without a full hold.  The very women would make the island too hot for us in such a case.  Do your duty by Deacon Pratt, Gar’ner, and leave me here to get along as well as I can.  I shall be able to walk a little in a fortnight; and, in a month, I hope to be well enough to get out among the people, and regulate their sealing a little myself.  Mr. Macy will be more moderate with my eye on him.”

“A month!  He who stays here another month may almost make up his mind to stay eight more of them; if, indeed, he ever get away from the group at all!”

“A late start is better than a half-empty vessel.  When you get in to Oyster Pond, Gar’ner, I hope you will send a line across to the Vineyard, and tell ’em all about us.”

Another long and brooding pause succeeded, during which Roswell’s mind was made up.

“I will do this with you, Daggett,” he said, speaking like one who had fully decided on his course.  “Twenty days longer will I remain here, and help to make out your cargo; after which I sail, whether you get another skin or a thousand.  This will be remaining as long as any prudent man ought to stay in so high a latitude.”

“Give me your hand, Gar’ner.  I knew you had the clear stuff in you, and that it would make itself seen at the proper moment.  I trust that Providence will favour us—­it’s really a pity to lose as fine a day as this; especially as the crittur’s are coming up on the rocks to bask, something like old times!”

“You’ll gain no great help from that Providence you just spoke of, Captain Daggett, by forgetting to keep ‘Holy the Sabbath,’” said Stimson, earnestly.  “Try forbearance a little, and find the good that will come of it.”

“He is right,” said Roswell, “as I know from having done as he advises.  Well, our bargain is made.  For twenty days longer I stay here, helping you to fill up.  That will bring us close upon the equinox, when I shall get to the northward as fast as I can.  In that time, too, I think you will be able to return to duty.”

This, then, was the settled arrangement.  Roswell felt that he conceded more than he ought to do; but the feeling of good-fellowship was active within him, and he was strongly averse to doing anything that might wear the appearance of abandoning a companion in his difficulties.  All this time our hero was fully aware that he was befriending a competitor; and he was not without his suspicions that Daggett wished to keep him within his view until the visit had been paid to the Key.  Nevertheless, Roswell’s mind was made up.  He would remain the twenty days, and do all he could in that time to help along the voyage of the Vineyarders.