"'No matter,' says he. 'I 'low a man haves the right t' try a change o' mind an he wants to.'
"'Parson Tree been overhaulin' you?'
"'Oh,' says he, 'a man can put his soul shipshape without the aid of a parson.'
"'Then, Skipper Davy,' says I, with my heart in my mouth, 'I 'low I'll sail the Labrador along o' you.'
"'Not so, my son,' says he. 'By no means.'
"'I wants to, Skipper Davy!'
"'You got a mother ashore,' says he.
"'Well, but,' says I, 'my mother says a lad's got t' be a man some time.'
"'I can't afford t' take you, Tumm.'
"'Look you, Skipper Davy!' says I, 'I'm able-bodied for my years. None more so. Take me along o' you—an' I'll work my hands t' bloody pulp!'