"Here, sir," I replied. "But I don't pretend to be an able seaman."
"Don't deny it any more. You are on the shipping articles as such, and draw wages as an able seaman."
"I don't draw any wages, sir," I replied. "I have received no advance, and I only agreed to work my passage to Palermo."
"I hope you will work your passage to Palermo; but I don't believe you will in this vessel," chuckled he.
"That was all I agreed to do, sir."
"I don't care what you agreed to do. We go by the papers on board ship. Do you see that sail?" he continued, pointing to a topsail which lay on the deck.
"Yes, sir."
"I want you to work a cringle into this corner," he added, picking up the part of the sail indicated.
"Ay, ay, sir."
"Make it so as to hold this thimble," said he, handing me an iron ring with concave outer edges. "Do you understand me?"