Now the first sight of Bill Sturdy's honest and good-humored face seemed to Charlie like a ray of light in a dark place. He felt that he was a man to be trusted.
"Will you be a friend to me?" asked Charlie, with instinctive confidence.
"That I will, my lad," exclaimed Bill, with hearty emphasis; "but tell me who tied you up in this fashion?"
"His name is Randall, and I believe he is the mate."
"The lubberly rascal! And what did he do that for?"
"He entrapped me on board the vessel, and now he is carrying me out to sea, against my will."
"How came you in your sailor's rig?" asked Sturdy.
Charlie explained the trick which had been practised upon him, which Bill Sturdy denounced in good set terms, though possibly more strong than refined.
"He's a rascal; there ain't a doubt of that," said Bill. "I should like to overhaul him, and teach him better manners. As for you, my lad, I'm sorry for you. You've shipped for the v'y'ge, and there ain't any help for it, as I see. But you may depend upon one thing, old Bill Sturdy will look out for you, and will be your friend."