“We want to arrange passage on your ship to New York, Captain,” stated Ned respectfully. “We understand you are to sail soon. We are citizens of the United States homeward bound. Can you help us out?”
“Not this trip!” decided the captain instantly.
“We are able to pay well for our accommodations,” continued the boy. “It is rather important that we get home as quickly as possible.”
“Possibly,” returned the captain shortly.
Nonplussed, Ned was at a loss to find words with which to urge his request further. The captain’s distant manner gave him no encouragement.
“We’ll not be the slightest trouble, Captain,” the lad presently continued. “We understand you’ll be loaded in a few days and will sail for New York direct. Cannot you arrange to accommodate us?”
“This isn’t a passenger vessel,” stated the captain.
“Well, then, couldn’t we sign articles and work our way over? We’d be willing to pay whatever you think is right for that privilege.”
“You want to get me into trouble with the authorities, don’t you?” replied the other, preparing to move away.
“But, Captain, just think a moment. There must be some way in which you can arrange it. Don’t leave us in a foreign country!”