I got my bundle ready, and was about to start, when I perceived my telescope lying down where Bramble had placed it on the table. “They are not very fond of letting pilots have their glasses on board of a King’s ship,” said I, “so I will take mine this time.”
“You’re right, Tom; you can’t take the spy-glass out of the captain’s hand, as you do in a merchant vessel.”
“Well, good bye, father; I shall come down again as soon as I can—there’s another gun, the captain of the frigate is in a hurry.”
“They always are on board of a man-of-war, if no attention is paid to their orders or their signals. Come, start away.”
I went down to the beach, the men launched the galley, and I was soon on board. As I gained the quarter-deck I was met by the captain and first lieutenant, who were standing there.
“Well,” said the captain, “where’s the pilot?”
“I am, sir,” replied I, taking off my hat.
“Where’s your warrant?”
“There, sir,” replied I, offering him the tin case in which I carried it.
“Well, all is right, my good fellow; but you seem but a young hand.”