This advice was too good to be neglected, and Tommy put himself by the side of Bobsey, who started off down the street at a quick pace.
They walked to the east end of London, and passing over Tower Hill, gained the extensive docks which line that side of the river Thames.
Their long walk had made them tired, and they gladly sat down on an old barrel, behind them being an extensive range of warehouses, and in front, floating in the basin, a number of ships, which were either taking in or discharging cargo.
The ship nearest them was named the Eliza Ann, which name they read on the stern, followed by the words New York.
"That's our chance," exclaimed Tommy. "I'll bet she's come over with grain or oil, and if there's any man aboard of her who knows Jersey City, you can put up your pile we're all hunk."
"Here's a chap coming down the side. Speak to him," replied Bobsey. "We want some place to sleep to-night, and if we're going to strike a ship, it may as well be done hat once."
The man approached the boys, and saved Bobsey the trouble of speaking first by addressing them with the remark:
"What are you loafing about here for?"
"Looking for work, sir," replied Bobsey.
"Who do you think is going to employ a cockney like you?" answered the man. "Get out of here."