"I dare say she'll get along somehow," said Randall, coolly. "She won't miss you much, and she ought to feel glad that your uncle has taken charge of you."
"Uncle!" retorted the boy, with flashing eyes. "I wouldn't own you as uncle for all the money in Boston."
"You wouldn't!" said Randall, his tone changing, and a dark look overspreading his face. "Very well, my bold lad, you may have reason to repent those words. You may find out by and by that it is as well to be civil to your superior officer. I will do nothing about it now, but when we are out of port and fairly at sea, look out!"
Charlie, who was quick-witted, caught a hint from these words, and at once set up a scream, hoping to draw attention from outside.
"That's your game, is it?" said the mate. "We'll soon stop that."
So saying, he drew out the boy's own handkerchief, and gagged him so that there was no further fear of his being able to make any disturbance which could be heard on the wharf or on neighboring vessels.
Feeling now secure, he left Charlie mute and helpless, and ascended to the deck.
"What was the noise I heard below, Mr. Randall?" asked the captain, pausing in his walk, and addressing his first officer.
"My nephew!" said Randall, with a smile.
"Ha! he is a little obstreperous, is he?"