When Tim first went on board the steamer which was to be his home, he thought, from the beautiful things he saw around, that he should live in a luxurious manner; but when he was shown the place in which he was to sleep, he learned that the fine things were for the passengers only, and that even comfort had been sacrificed in the quarters belonging to the crew.
He was given a berth in the forecastle, which was anything rather than a pleasant or even sweet-smelling place; and had it not been that he had the satisfaction of having Tip with him when he went to bed, he would have cried even harder and longer than he did.
Captain Pratt had not made his appearance on the steamer that day; but the steward had told him that his duties as captain’s boy would begin next morning at breakfast, when he would be expected to wait upon the captain at the table. The last thing Tim thought of that night was how he should acquit himself in what he felt would be a trying position, and the first thing which came into his mind when he awoke on the following morning was whether he would succeed in pleasing his new employer or not.
After kissing Tip over and over again, and with many requests to him to be a good dog and not make a noise, Tim tied his pet in his narrow quarters, and then made his own toilet. He really made a good appearance when he presented himself to Mr. Rankin, the steward, that morning. His cheeks were rosy from a vigorous application of cold water and a brisk rubbing; and if he could rely upon his personal appearance for pleasing Captain Pratt, there seemed every chance that he would succeed.
During the time he had been at work the day before Mr. Rankin took every opportunity to instruct him in his new duties, and that morning the steward gave him another lesson.
It was barely finished when Captain Pratt came into the cabin, and one look at him made Tim so nervous that he forgot nearly everything he had been told to remember.
The captain’s eyes were red, his hands trembled, and he had all the appearance of a man who had been drinking hard the day before, and was not yet perfectly sober.
Tim had never had any experience with drinking men; but he did not need any explanation as to the causes of the captain’s appearance, and he involuntarily ducked his head when his employer passed him.
“Now, then, what are you skulking there for, you young rascal?” shouted Captain Pratt, as he fell, rather than seated himself, in his chair.