"'I can read and write, and keep accounts.'
"'Oh, ho!—a reg'lar long-shore gemman!—the makings of a sea-lawyer! And so you can't do nothin' but read and write?'
"'Yes, there's one thing I can do, and am determined to do—to learn everything you will take the trouble to teach me. You knew nothing before you were taught—how can you expect me to do so?'
"'Well, there's reason in that, anyhow,' said he; 'and if so be you pays attention, why, there's no saying but we may see you a bosun's mate some o' these days. But I say, young un, make your number. The poor gulpin doesn't understand me'—(this was said half aside). 'What's your name?'
"'Dalzell.'
"'Dalzell! Dalzell!' said he; 'blow'd if that isn't a Kelso name! Where d'ye hail from, eh?—where d'ye come from?'
"'Scotland.'
"'Ay, that's as plain as the nose on your face, whenever you open your mouth. Now, nobody would never go for to doubt me to be an Englishman by my lingo. But I'll tell you a bit of a secret—I'm a Scotchman born and bred.'
"'Well, I can tell you a secret too, if you'll promise not to tell it.'
"'Speak on, youngster. I'll never blab till you give me leave. I'm as silent as the ship's bell, as never speaks till it's tolled.'