"You steered like an old sailor, my hearty, and kept her as steady as a judge on the bench."
"I am going to do the best I can. I know something about a vessel, but I have a great deal to learn."
"I'll learn you, my lad."
"Thank you. I shall be very grateful to you."
I spent the remaining two hours of my watch on deck in learning the names and uses of the various ropes of the running rigging. I studied on halyards, sheets, buntlines, and clew-garnets, and I thought I made good progress. But the next day I was introduced to a cringle, and found myself at fault.
CHAPTER XI.
IN WHICH PHIL MAKES A CRINGLE, AND VISITS THE CROSS-TREES.
At eight bells, or four in the morning, the port watch was relieved, and I was permitted to sleep till half past seven, which is breakfast time on board ship. We did not sit down at a table, with plates, knives, forks, and spoons, but formed a circle around a kid of corned beef and a pan of crackers. The bill of fare was salt junk and hard tack. The starboard watch, which had been on deck from eight till twelve, and from four till eight, were allowed to sleep in during the forenoon; but after dinner all hands were required to be on deck, and to work on sails, rigging, and chafing-gear.
"Phil Farringford, able seaman!" shouted the mate, who was busy setting the men at work.