"Every thing is on board; and, as you have inoculated me, I suppose we might as well get under way to-morrow morning on the young ebb: so take yourself up aloft, young man, and 'turn in,' and be prepared to turn out at about one bell in the morning watch; and I will go down to the landing, and see that Bob has every thing in ship-shape."
"Come, rouse out, youngster! it is past one bell," sang out the cheery voice of uncle Charley at Tom's door the next morning; and hurrying on his clothes, and taking a small valise filled with a change or two fit for sea-use, he was soon by his uncle's side.
"Well, it is going to be a lovely morning, if it is only the 10th of May," said Capt. Coffin.
"Why, how do you know, uncle Charley? It is as dark as pitch yet."
"Well, my boy, when you are as old as I am, you will know how, by many signs, to forecast the weather, even in the night-time. But let us hurry along, and get on board, as I want to take advantage of this ebb to get outside before the flood makes."
Arriving at the landing, the following conversation took place:—
"'Nancy,' ahoy!"
"Ay, ay, sir!"
"Is that you, Bob?"