And, as he spoke, the awful London wilderness vanished, and open sea and sky filled the world of his imaginings.
"When do you sail?" he asked.
"To-night, I hope, with the ebb," said the captain; "but you had better come with me as soon as you've had your breakfast, and we'll go on board at once. You needn't mind about your chest. You can rough it a little, I dare say. I can lend you a jersey that'll do better than your 'longshore togs."
Thomas applied himself to his breakfast with vigor. Hope even made him hungry. How true it is that we live by hope! Before he had swallowed his last mouthful, he started from his seat.
"You needn't be in such a hurry," said the captain. "There's plenty of time. Stow your prog."
"I have quite done. But I must see Mr. Potts for a minute."
He went to the bar, and, finding that Jim had not yet made his appearance, asked the landlord to change him a sovereign, and give half to Jim.
"It's too much," said Mr. Potts.
"I promised him a day's wages."