No doubt he had found by experience that this was the most
effectual way of curbing his passions.
"I told you," he said in a quieter voice, "that my name is
Ourganeff--Alexis Ourganeff. I am a Finn by birth, but I have
spent my life in every part of the world. I was one who could
never be still, nor settle down to a quiet existence. After I came
to own my own ship there is hardly a port from Archangel to
Australia which I have not entered. I was rough and wild and free,
but there was one at home, sir, who was prim and white-handed and
soft-tongued, skilful in little fancies and conceits which women
love. This youth by his wiles and tricks stole from me the love of
the girl whom I had ever marked as my own, and who up to that time
had seemed in some sort inclined to return my passion. I had been
on a voyage to Hammerfest for ivory, and coming back unexpectedly
I learned that my pride and treasure was to be married to this
soft-skinned boy, and that the party had actually gone to the
church. In such moments, sir, something gives way in my head,
and I hardly know what I do. I landed with a boat's crew--all men
who had sailed with me for years, and who were as true as steel.
We went up to the church. They were standing, she and he, before
the priest, but the thing had not been done. I dashed between them
and caught her round the waist. My men beat back the frightened
bridegroom and the lookers on.
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