"Hello!" he bawled. "You can't come aboard. What do you want?"
"We want to go to San Francisco," replied Mr. Adams.
"You can't do it, in this ship. We're full up. Stand clear; we're pulling out." And Charley, to his dismay, heard the clank of the anchor chains.
"One minute! Just one minute!" shouted up Mr. Adams, standing and waving his letter. "I have a note for Captain Flowers."
"Come aboard with it quick, then. But you can't stay," ordered the man above. And up the stairs hastened Mr. Adams.
The captain snatched the letter without ceremony (and as if he was very cross), opened it and read it. Watching anxiously, as the canoes rose and fell on the waves at the foot of the stairs, Charley could hear most of the conversation. The captain spoke loudly and decisively.
"Where'd you leave Crosby?"
"Back at Peña Blanca."
"I'd given him up. His places are taken. But I'll do the best I can for you. How many in your party? Who is your extra man?"
"A young fellow I'm trying to help along."