“I? No. I know nothing about the sea.”
“You will afore long. Well, I’ll tell you; bosun’s mate’s a gentleman kep’ aboard ship to scratch the crew’s backs.”
“You are laughing at me,” cried Don angrily.
“Not a bit of it, my lad. If I was to do what you want, I should be tied up to-morrow, and have my back scratched.”
“Flogged?”
“That’s it.”
“For doing a kind act? For saving my poor mother from trouble and anxiety?”
“For not doing my dooty, my lad. There, a voyage or two won’t hurt you. Why, I was a pressed man, and look at me.”
“Main-top ahoy! Are you coming down?” came from below.
“Ay, ay, sir!” shouted the sailor.