"Unfortunately I did not."
"I didn't mean you should," said the mate, chuckling over the success of his efforts.
"I'm here, and I'm disposed to make the best of it."
"I have no doubt you will be meek enough now; but you needn't attempt to play the hypocrite here. Your cant won't help you."
"Cant never helps any one."
"You are growing sensible as you grow older," said he, with a sneer. "I see you have shipped as an able seaman."
"I was not aware that I had shipped in any particular capacity. I signed the paper at the captain's request."
"You are a very innocent little lamb. Didn't you write able seaman against your name?"
"I did not."
"Then somebody else wrote it there for you, because you neglected to rate yourself."