As he turned away Moore detained him, and there was a further whispered conversation, during which Patsy could see that they frequently looked at him.
Finally the sailing-master called him over and asked:
“Do you know how to obey orders and keep your mouth shut and your eyes closed for an extra wad?”
“For that I do,” replied Patsy.
“I size him up as right, Moore,” said the sailing-master. “Give him your orders.”
He walked away.
“There’s something on this afternoon that’ll make dollars for you,” said Moore.
“All right,” said Patsy.
“Well, then,” said Moore, “in twenty minutes you’ll go ashore and be posted in a certain place, where you can see all around you. And there you’ll stand. See?”
Patsy nodded.