"If you please, sir, here's a Chinee who reports he's the acting boatswain."
"Let him come aboard, then."
"You Chinee," whispered the sentry to the amused Jerry, "you ken come aboard, d'ye hear?"
"I hear, Hill; but who set up this main rigging?"
"I don't know, Chinee, Mi, ain't you a good un to talk English? Why, it's really Mr. Thompson! Lord, sir! how you do disgust yourself. I didn't know you."
There was a smile of satisfaction upon the acting boatswain's face when he walked aft, and reported himself to the officer of the watch, who, after assuring himself that it was actually Thompson, and not a Chinese, went below and informed the captain. Jerry looked round at the crew who were bringing aft the sand and holy stones preparatory to washing decks, but none of them recognized him; however, upon seeing one of the boys attempt to screw on a hose without the necessary implement, he cried, "You boy Arnold, get a spanner."
"Who are you a calling boy Arnold?" replied the youth.
At that moment the officer of the watch returned with orders for Mr. Thompson to go below to the captain's cabin, but when the disguised warrant-officer presented himself at the door, the sentry at first refused to let him pass; however, the captain hearing the altercation, came to his assistance.
"Well, Mr. Thompson, I'm exceedingly glad to see you back safe. Your disguise is perfect. I can only see in you the Chinaman who came on board at Foo-choo."
I'm real proud to see you agin, sir; real proud, sir. I thought once or twice it was a gooser—beg yer pardon, all over with me, sir."