A Conversation with Quadrumana.
Notwithstanding his comfortable quarters in the frigate’s forecastle, Harry Blew is up by early daybreak, and off from the ship before six bells have sounded.
Ere retiring to rest, he had communicated to his patron, Crozier, a full account of his zigzag wanderings through the streets of San Francisco, and how he came to bring the cutter’s crew to the rescue.
As neither of the young officers is on the early morning watch, but both still abed, he does not wait their rising. For, knowing that the adage, “First come, first served,” is often true, he is anxious as soon as possible to present himself at the office of the agent Silvestre, and from him get directions for going on board the Chilian ship. He is alive to the hint given him by Crozier, that there may be a chance of his being made a mate.
As yet he does not even know the name of the vessel, but that he will learn at the office, as also where she is tying.
His request to the lieutenant on duty for a boat to set him ashore, is at once and willingly granted. No officer on that frigate would refuse Harry Blew; and the dingy is placed at his service.
In this he is conveyed to the wooden pier, whose planking he treads with heavier step, but lighter heart, than when, on the night before, he ran along it in quest of Crusaders. With weightier purse too, as he carries a hundred pound Bank of England note in the pocket of his pea-jacket—a parting gift from the generous Crozier—besides a number of gold pieces received from Cadwallader, as the young Welshman’s share of gratitude for the service done them.
Thus amply provided, he might proceed at once to the “Sailor’s Home,” and bring away his embargoed property.
He does not; thinking it better first to see about the berth on the Chilian ship; and therefore he steers direct for the agent’s office.
Though it is still early, by good luck, Don Tomas chances to be already at his desk; to whom Harry hands the card given him by Crozier, at the same time declaring the purpose for which he has presented himself.