"You are to keep your valuables, stationery and knicknacks of any kind in these," he said. "Be careful of them and look after them well."
"What about our money, sir?" asked Ned.
"You can place that in the ship's savings bank if you wish. It gives four per cent. Or, if you prefer, you can deposit it with the ship's paymaster, and draw on it as you require. If you are transferred to another ship, it will be transferred for you."
"I think the savings bank would be best," said Ned, looking at Herc.
"Same here," replied the farmboy; "gran'pa used to say, 'put your money in hogs,' but I guess we couldn't do that aboard ship, so it's the savings banks for me, too."
"Very well; you may leave your money with me and I will give you a passbook. You see, we do these things much as they are done ashore."
"I see," nodded Ned as he took his passbook, and Herc did the same, "what do we do now, sir?"
"You will now be conducted to the boatswain's mate, who is a sort of foster-parent to young recruits, and from him you will get the numbers of your hammocks and be assigned to a place at mess. He will also outline your duties to you.
"Messenger!"