`` We 're all forecastle hands , you mean , '' snapped Silver . `` We can steer a course , but who 's to set one ? That 's what all you gentlemen split on , first and last . If I had my way , I 'd have Cap'n Smollett work us back into the trades at least ; then we 'd have no blessed miscalculations and a spoonful of water a day . But I know the sort you are . I 'll finish with 'em at the island , as soon 's the blunt 's on board , and a pity it is . But you 're never happy till you 're drunk . Split my sides , I 've a sick heart to sail with the likes of you ! '' `` Easy all , Long John , '' cried Israel . `` Who 's a-crossin ' of you ? '' `` Why , how many tall ships , think ye , now , have I seen laid aboard ? And how many brisk lads drying in the sun at Execution Dock ? '' cried Silver . `` And all for this same hurry and hurry and hurry . You hear me ? I seen a thing or two at sea , I have . If you would on ' y lay your course , and a p ` int to windward , you would ride in carriages , you would . But not you ! I know you . You 'll have your mouthful of rum tomorrow , and go hang . ''
`` Everybody knowed you was a kind of a chapling , John ; but there 's others as could hand and steer as well as you , '' said XXXXX .
Israel John Smollett a-crossin day first forecastle gentlemen heart windward