“Not yet, sir. My chest is coming to-night.”
“That’s right. You’ll be in a different fig then to-morrow, and I’ll have a talk to you. Better pick up what you can from your messmates, but don’t quarrel, and don’t believe everything they tell you.”
He nodded not unkindly to the boy, and went off, while Barney, who had been watching his opportunity, came up and touched his hat.
“Your chest’s come aboard, sir, and I’ve had it put below. Better keep it locked, my lad, for you’ll find my young gents pretty handy with their games.”
“Thank you, Barney.”
“Say Strake, sir, please now, or bo’sun.”
“Very well, Strake. Where is Pan?”
“Right, sir. Forrard along with the other boys. Getting his roasting over. What yer think o’ the first luff?”
“I haven’t seen him yet, Bar— Strake.”
“Oh, come now, sir; speak the truth whatever you do, and don’t try those games on me. Why, I sin yer talking to him.”