“You see,” he said, “I've put you down as able seaman 'cause that's what you'll be when I git through with you. Now sign.”
So Josiah signed, and then Captain Eri affixed his own signature with a flourish.
“There!” exclaimed the Captain, bringing his big palm down on the back of the “able seaman” with a thump that brought water into the eyes of that proud youth, “You're my man, shipmate. We sail to-morrer mornin' at four, rain or shine. I'll call you at quarter of. Be ready.”
“You bet, old man!” said Josiah.
Captain Perez met his friend as they came out of the parlor.
“Now, Eri,” he whispered, “be easy as you can with him, won't you?”
The Captain answered in the very words of his crew.
“You bet!” he said fervently, and went away whistling. Captain Perez slept better that night.