"Ah! never mind the story now. What say you to shipping with me?"
"I—I would like to be on a man-of-war."
"I see; and you think I cannot ship you on a war vessel. But if it is fighting you want, I can promise you as much as you desire. If it is prize money you seek, my boy, don't go on a warship, but ship with me."
"And, sir, what may be your ship's name?"
The elder man led his companion a little farther up the dock and pointed out a schooner.
"See! there is the ship for you, my boy; look at her! Isn't she a model?"
She was certainly a beautiful sight as she hoisted her mainsail and jib and glided off under a breeze so light that the large ships hardly stirred, with all their sails set.
"She has started."
"Ay, ay; but we can catch her at the Narrows. I like you, and I want you to ship with me. Will you do so?"