I suppose we went to sleep again, for it seemed but a very brief interval, when, awaking with a start, I perceived the hatchway open.
“Rouse up, Tom,” said I, shaking him; “we’d better climb on deck at once.”
“All right,” replied Tom, jumping up, and he was soon on the fo’c’s’le, with me after him.
“Who the mother’s son are you?” a gruff voice exclaimed; and, looking round, I saw the skipper of the brig advancing from aft, brandishing a handspike.
I immediately stepped forwards in front of Tom.
“We’ve run away to sea, sir,” I explained.
“So I see,” said the skipper, drawing nearer; “but, what right have you to come aboard my craft?”
“We couldn’t help it, sir,” I answered, civilly, wishing to propitiate him. “It was our only chance.”
“Oh, then you’ll find it a poor one, youngster,” said he grimly. “Boatswain!”
“Aye, aye, sir!” responded Jorrocks, stepping up.