So saying, he drew a stout cord from his pocket, and advanced towards our hero with the intention of binding him.
Charlie sprang for the stairs, and was half way up before the mate caught him and dragged him back.
"Well, boy, you're a pretty tough customer—true grit. You're just the boy to make a sailor of. I must make sure of you."
So saying, he succeeded, in spite of Charlie's vigorous exertions, in tying his hands and feet. Not until thus rendered quite helpless did the brave boy suffer himself to burst into tears.
"What are you going to do with me?" he asked.
"I am going to make a sailor of you," answered the mate.
"But I don't want to go to sea," answered Charlie.
"So you said once before, but you'll change your mind before long."
"My mother will not know where I am. She can't get along without me, for she depends upon me in part for support."