“What’s the matter, Dave?” he shouted when he caught sight of his nephew. “What’s the trouble?”
Hearing Dave called by name, the sailor at once let go his hold on the youth and struck the lad in the side. To keep from falling Dave had to step away, and thus freed, the tar lost no time in taking to his heels.
“That man wanted to carry me on board his ship,” answered the youth, as he gazed after the sailor, who was now disappearing behind one of the nearby warehouses.
“On board his ship?”
“Yes. First he asked me if I didn’t want to become a sailor. I told him no, and then he caught me around the breast.”
“The rascal!” burst out Joseph Morris. “He wanted to impress you! I thought it was safe here, or I should not have allowed you to come alone. If I can catch him I’ll give him a piece of my mind, I’ll warrant you!”
He ran toward the warehouse, and quite willing to see the sailor punished, Dave went with him. But the tar had taken time by the forelock, and when the warehouse was gained, he had disappeared utterly, nor did a hunt of half an hour bring him to light.
The “scare” made Dave more cautious, and for the remainder of the time spent in Annapolis he kept within sight of his uncle, especially when down by the docks. With his uncle he boarded one of the merchantmen lying at anchor in the bay and inspected the great ship from stem to stern. From the captain of the merchantman they learned that sailors were just then scarce and a good price had to be paid to get them to sail in West Indian waters on account of the pirates.
“The minute you say West Indies to them they won’t sign articles at any price,” said the captain. “The pirates are as thick as bees and when they take a prize it’s either join them or walk the plank and not over half an hour to make up your mind to it either.”
Three days were spent in Annapolis, and then, having purchased all the things needed, and also several extra horses to carry the load, the Morrises set off for home. With them for part of the distance went a settler named Crosby, a whole-souled man of middle age, who by his light-hearted talk did much to while the weary hours away.