“I don’t understand the duty.”
“You will soon learn all the ropes in the ship, and they will all come as handy to you as the key of your own watch.”
Clyde pulled out his watch, and glanced at the boatswain.
“That’s a nice time-keeper you have, my lad; gold, I suppose.”
“Yes; it cost thirty pounds. Wouldn’t you like it?”
“I?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I have a pretty good silver one, which answers my purpose very well,” replied Peaks, smiling.
“I’ll give it to you, if you will let me out, and permit me to go on shore,” added Clyde, in an insinuating tone.
“Thank you, my lad, I don’t want it bad enough to do that.”