Kep's eyes were riveted on the Breezy, and he was all a-quiver with a new-born excitement.
"How old are you, sonny?"
The man now laid a kindly hand on his shoulder.
"Fourteen and begun again."
"Run away from your parents, haven't you?"
"That's my business, matey."
"Well, but take a man-o'-war sailor's advice. Don't go on board the Breezy; if you do, you'll get copped and sent home again. And it is there you should be. If I did my duty now----"
"Come and have a pint, Jack."
"Oh, I'm nothing loath," said Jack.
"Then we can yarn about it," said Kep.