“Because here’s a chance for you, my lads!” I said. “I have engaged with Doctor—Doctor—”
“Curley,” said my stout friend.
“With Doctor Curley, to command that smart steamer lying in the Greenland Dock, and we go up north. Will you come?”
“What arter?” growled Scudds, tearing at his piece of rope.
“Seal,” I said, with a look at the doctor. “What do you say, Bostock?”
“Oh, I’m game, if you’re going, skipper!” he said, staring at the doctor.
“And you, Scudds?”
“Same as Abram,” growled Abinadab—Binny we called him, for short.
“This is lucky, doctor!” I said; “for our two friends here will soon get a good crew together. Plenty of men will be glad to join the vessel they sail in!”
“Don’t you believe him, sir!” said Abram, polishing away at his cheek. “It’s acause the skipper there, Capen Cookson’s going, as they’d come!”