Simon and I stared at the old man in silence, for it seemed much as if he had taken leave of his senses.
From the moment it was known that the America would be armed as a privateer, the ablest seamen from far and near were coming into Salem with the hope of being allowed to ship on board her, and one could not walk the length of the town without hearing on this corner or on that speculations as to who would be the lucky men when the articles were ready for the signing.
The old gunner smoked on, as if the subject had come to an end so far as he was concerned, and, the hope which had been so often in my heart growing stronger, I ventured to ask, but with a certain hesitation as if I were simply proving my folly:
“Do you suppose, Master Josh, that it would be of any use for Simon and me to beg of Captain Ropes or Uncle George that we be allowed to go on this cruise?”
“Do you suppose, Nathan Crowninshield, that Captain Ropes or Uncle George would get down on their knees an’ beg you two to come on this ’ere cruise, if it so be you never let on that you was achin’ for the chance?” Master Josh asked, mockingly.
I caught at the words eagerly, believing, as I afterward came to know was the truth, that in them lay a suggestion to us.
The old man had no mind to openly advise us lads to apply for a berth aboard the America, but would have been well pleased for us to do so.
Instead of continuing the conversation, Master Josh smothered the fire in the bowl of his pipe with his thumb, and, without giving further heed to us, walked forward, leaving Simon and me staring at each other as we tried to put into shape the thoughts aroused by his words, which were forming themselves in our minds.
How long we sat there gazing at each other like a couple of stupids I know not, but after a certain time it flashed across me that we were showing ourselves dull indeed by not following the advice contained in the old man’s words, and moving closely to Simon, as if fearing some one might overhear and make sport of us for having such high and mighty notions, I whispered: