"Not particular. Call me Mr. Bowser."
"Well, Master Bowser, you say you are desirous of doing us the honour of sailing with us. May I presume to ask in what capacity?"
Kep jumped up.
"You are making fun of me, poking fun at me," he cried, now furiously red in the face.
"Sit down, you spitfire, and don't be a little fool, else, but there! now calm yourself and answer my question. What use do you think you'd be on H.M.S. Breezy?"
"Oh, I'm so willing, sir! I can be anything, or do anything. Could take charge of a watch or my turn at the wheel, or help the cook, or clean the boots. I can reef and steer, and box the compass, splice the main-brace, or work out the reckoning or----"
"Suppose, now, our captain were taken ill?"
"Oh, sir. I could soon learn to do the simple duties of a Naval Captain."
"Is there any other capacity in which you could serve?"
"Oh yes, I can speak six or seven languages fluently, and I could play on this little pipe while the sailor men danced."