"Reckon as how you'll have your hands full on your own account, finding work and all that," he returned.
"I suppose I will. Still I would like to help you."
Mrs. Linyard provided a warm and bountiful supper, and both enjoyed every dish that was set before them.
"I mustn't lose too much time," went on the boy, as he was finishing. "I must at least find a boarding-house. I don't want to spend the night in the streets."
"No fear of that," said the old tar hastily. "Betty, another cup of that good coffee, please. Tell you what I'll do if you're willing. This place isn't as grand as a hotel, but Betty's beds are as clean as any of 'em, and if you will you're welcome to stay all night."
"Thank you, I'll do so gladly," replied Richard quickly, for the proposition took a load from his mind. "I'll pay you whatever—"
"Avast there! What do you think I am, to take money from you for that?
No, thanky, I'm no land shark."
"I know you're not," replied Richard quickly, for he saw that the sailor's feelings had been hurt, "but I would like to do something in return."
"No need of that. Tell you what you can do though," continued Doc
Linyard, after a moment's reflection.
"Well?"