The joke was a cruel one, as Charlie found to his cost, before long.
"Is he on board now?"
"I don't see him," said the mate, looking in the opposite direction from where Charlie was standing. "But I think he will be on board very soon. Were you ever dressed in sailor's clothes?"
"Never," said our hero.
"I wonder how you would look. You are just about my nephew's size. Have you any objection to trying on his clothes?"
Charlie had not. In fact he was rather curious to learn how he should look in this unusual attire. Accordingly he went below, and was soon dressed in full sailor rig. It was a very good fit, and very becoming to our hero, who was a remarkably handsome boy.
"A good fit, is it not?" asked the mate.
"Excellent," said Charlie.
"One would almost think the clothes were meant for you," said Randall, with a smile, which Charlie did not understand.