"'I'll try it again, any how,' said Tom, going up to the first lieutenant. 'Hard case to lose our boat and our bread, sir,' said Tom, touching his hat.
"The first lieutenant, now that the marines and afterguard were at a regular stamp and go, had, unfortunately, more leisure to attend to us. He looked at us earnestly, and walked aft to see if the wherry was yet in sight. At that moment up came the master's-mate who had not yet reported himself to the first lieutenant.
"'Tom,' said I, 'there's a wherry close to; let us get into it, and go after our boat ourselves.'
"'Wait one moment to see if they will help us—and get our money, at all events,' replied Tom; and we walked aft.
"'Come on board, sir,' said the master's mate, touching his hat with humility.
"'You've broke your leave, sir,' replied the first lieutenant, 'and now I've to send a boat to pick up the wherry through your carelessness.'
"'If you please, they are two very fine young men,' observed the mate. 'Make capital foretop-men. Boat's not worth sending for, sir.'
"This hint, given by the mate to the first lieutenant, to regain his favour, was not lost. 'Who are you, my lads?' said the first lieutenant to us.
"'Watermen, sir.'
"'Watermen, hey! was that your own boat?'