An opportunity occurred sooner than had been expected. On the afternoon of the fifth day out, a large barque hove in sight. On nearing this vessel the captain ran up his colours, and the signal was replied to by the Union Jack. On being asked as to where they were bound, the port of Liverpool was signalled in answer.
“You’re in luck. Gaff,” said the captain; “I’ll put you on board of that barque if you choose.”
“Thank ’ee, sir, I’d like it well.”
“I rather think that your little boy would prefer to go with us,” added the captain, laughing.
Billy at once admitted that he would, and begged to be allowed to stay where he was, but this request could not be granted.
“Now, Gaff,” said the captain confidentially, “if you’re short o’ cash I’ll be happy to—”
“Thank’ee, sir, I’ve as much as I require.”
“Very well, then, you’d better get ready, and I’ll order a boat to be lowered.”
Half an hour afterwards Gaff stood on the deck of the barque, waving his hat to the few friends he had made during his short stay in the steamer.
The barque turned out to be a South Sea whaler from New York, which had suffered severely in a recent gale which had driven her far out of her course to the northward. She was obliged to run to Liverpool for repairs. The captain, whose name was Graddy, and who was one of the most ill-favoured and ill-mannered men that Gaff had ever set eyes on, agreed to take the newcomer to England on condition that he should work his way besides paying for his rations.