"'No, my lads, I can't find king's boats for such service.'
"'Then, we had better go ourselves, Tom,' said I, and we went forward to call the waterman who was lying on his oars close to the frigate.
"'Stop—stop—not so fast. Where are you going, my lads?'
"'To pick up our boat, sir.'
"'Without my leave, hey!'
"'We don't belong to the frigate, sir.'
"'No; but I think it very likely that you will, for you have no protections.'
"'We can send for them and have them down by to-morrow morning.'
"'Well, you may do so, if you please, my lads; you cannot expect me to believe every thing that is told me. Now, for instance, how long have you to serve, my lad?' said he, addressing Tom.
"'My time is up to-morrow, sir.'