"I know he is. He wants to work."
"Does he know anything about a vessel? I want one who can go aloft, and shake out the top-gallant sail."
"He is used to boats and the water."
"Well, we will see what he is good for, after breakfast."
"I hope you will take him, for we have become fast friends."
"If he is good for anything, I will, Mollie. Call him down. Here comes the doctor with the grub."
The "doctor" was the black cook of the Roebuck, who was now descending the companion-way with the morning meal. Noddy was called, and Captain McClintock spoke very kindly to him. He inquired particularly into his knowledge of vessels, and wanted to know whether he would be afraid to go aloft. Noddy smiled, and thought he should not be afraid. He ate his breakfast with a boy's appetite, and then the captain took him on deck.
"Do you see that fore-top-gallant yard?" asked the captain.
"Yes, sir, I see it," replied Noddy, who had been thoroughly instructed in these matters by the old man-of-war's-man of Woodville, though he had no practical experience in seamanship, even on as large a scale as a topsail schooner, which was the rig of the Roebuck.
"Well, my boy, that's a pretty high place. Should you dare to go up there?"