"I am hard put to it, lad, to get along. I am feeling faintish and bad; but I can't afford to lose this voyage; it's a long one, and good pay, and I've an old mother and a pack of children to keep."
"Rest a bit," said Jack. "Here's a post will do."
"Ay; I dare say I'm pretty near breaking your shoulder-blade. I shan't forget you, youngster. I say, what's up? mischief, eh?"
"I want to be off to sea just for a bit. Will you take me?"
"Well, I must go aboard first, before I can promise. Now then, on we go."
The quay was reached at last, and it was now broad daylight.
The stately ships were all getting under weigh, and there was no bustle or noise. The cargoes had been shipped overnight, and there was only a silent waiting for the tide.
"Here she is; here's my berth. You help me aboard, and we'll see what can be done."
"Dick Colley, the mate, as sure as I'm alive!" said one of the crew, who was turning a loose cable round and round into a coil of many circles. "Why, old chappie, what's amiss with 'ee?"
"Give us a hand aboard. I've been and sprained my ankle. This youngster helped me along, or I'd never have got here."