"`I want to go to sea,' said I, breathless; `take me on board - pray do.'
"`Well,' said he, `I heard the captain say he wanted an apprentice, and so you may come.'
"He sculled the boat back again to the vessel, and I climbed up her side.
"`Who are you?' said the captain.
"I told him that I wanted to go to sea.
"`You are too little and too young.'
"`No, I am not,' replied I.
"`Why, do you think that you dare go aloft?'
"`I'll show you,' replied I; and I ran up the rigging like a cat, and went out at the topgallant yard-arm.
"When I came down, the captain said, `Well, I think you'll make a sharp seaman by and by; so I'll take you, and, as soon as I get to London, I'll bind you apprentice.'