IN WHICH PHIL FINDS HIMSELF RATED AS AN ABLE SEAMAN IN THE PORT WATCH.
"We are in blue water, Phil," said Mr. Ben Waterford, as he opened the door of the state-room. "I didn't know but you might want to take a last look at the shores of your native land, as you are a little sentimental, like all young monkeys when they go to sea for the first time."
"Thank you; it is very kind of you to give me the opportunity to do so," I replied.
"It may be a long time before you see it again."
"Neither of us may ever see it again."
"That's a good deal more likely to happen to you than to me."
"There's no knowing what may happen to either of us."
"Whatever happens to either of us, I want you to understand, in the first place, Phil, that I am the mate of this vessel."
"I understand that already, and because I understood it, I wanted to get out of the vessel."
"You didn't get out of her."