I 've watched it many a time and thought what a thing it would be to pass out through that great white glory to whatever was waiting beyant , on a sea that ai n't mapped out on any airthly chart . I think , Mistress Blythe , that I 'd find lost Margaret there . '' Captain Jim had often talked to Anne of lost Margaret since he had told her the old story . His love for her trembled in every tone -- that love that had never grown faint or forgetful . `` Anyway , I hope when my time comes I 'll go quick and easy . I do n't think I 'm a coward , Mistress Blythe -- I 've looked an ugly death in the face more than once without blenching . But the thought of a lingering death does give me a queer , sick feeling of horror . '' `` Do n't talk about leaving us , dear , DEAR Captain , Jim , '' pleaded Anne , in a choked voice , patting the old brown hand , once so strong , but now grown very feeble . `` What would we do without you ? '' Captain Jim smiled beautifully . `` Oh , you 'd get along nicely -- nicely -- but you would n't forget the old man altogether , Mistress Blythe -- no , I do n't think you 'll ever quite forget him . The race of Joseph always remembers one another . But it 'll be a memory that wo n't hurt -- I like to think that my memory wo n't hurt my friends -- it 'll always be kind of pleasant to them , I hope and believe . It wo n't be very long now before lost Margaret calls me , for the last time . I 'll be all ready to answer . I jest spoke of this because there 's a little favor I want to ask you . Here 's this poor old Matey of mine '' -- Captain Jim reached out a hand and poked the big , warm , velvety , golden ball on the sofa . The First Mate uncoiled himself like a spring with a nice , throaty , comfortable sound , half purr , half meow , stretched his paws in air , turned over and coiled himself up again . `` HE 'll miss me when I start on the V'yage . I ca n't bear to think of leaving the poor critter to starve , like he was left before .
If anything happens to me will you give XXXXX a bite and a corner , Mistress Blythe ? ''
Blythe First Jim Joseph Margaret Matey beyant choked meow purr