"I will give you five dollars if you will take me and my trunk on shore," I replied, as loud as I dared speak.
"All right; I'll do it," replied the man, evidently satisfied with the liberal offer I made. "Hand down the trunk."
"What are you waiting for?" I added.
"The captain wants to send his papers to the custom-house; but never mind that. We will take you on shore as soon as you are ready."
"I will be ready as soon as I can get my trunk on deck," I answered.
"Hurry up. I understand the case. You are sick of your ship, and want to leave her. That's none of my business. I'll help you off, if you will hand over the money."
I gave the man one of the sovereigns I had purchased with the sixty dollars which remained of my funds.
"Bear a hand," said the man, as he glanced at the coin, and slipped it into his pocket.
"I will be ready in less than five minutes."
"Don't let them see you if you can help it."