"Come on board, then," said Carew.
The pilot leapt on to the yacht's deck, and the other three pulled away in their boat.
"Now, captain. Tide in river running strong, wind is light; so we want all sail, or else we no move. Call up your hands and hoist topsail."
"There are no hands below. I am alone," replied Carew.
"Alone? What do you mean? You come from England all alone?" exclaimed the man in great astonishment.
"Yes; my crew got drunk and were insolent just before I sailed. They thought I could not do without them, and they knew I was in a hurry. But I put them all on shore without hesitation, and I have come across alone."
"You a very mad Englishman, but you a brave man. I never hear anything like that."
"Pilot," said Carew, later on, as they were sailing up the river, "I don't want to be followed about Rotterdam as if I were a curiosity; so I should like you not to mention the fact of my having sailed across the sea alone."
"All right, captain; my mouth close."
"I shall want a crew of two or three good, honest Dutchmen, pilot. Can you recommend me any men?"