"What are you staring at, you great fool? Come down from the gangway!"
And wi' that he gied me a pu' by the jacket, that maist garred me fa' on the deck. My bluid was up in a moment; and I was just gaun to gie him as guid's he brocht, when Geordie, wha was at my elbow, said—
"Haud yer hand, Tam! Never heed him. Do as ye see me do."
Wi' that he touched his hat to an officer who was walking the deck and tell't him that we wished to ship as seamen.
"Can you hand, reef, steer, and heave the lead, my man?" said he.
"Yes, sir," said George; "but this callant has never been to sea afore."
"Oh, then, he won't do for us; besides, he is too light a hand. How long have you been at sea?"
"Six years, sir—three in a collier, and three in a Dumfries trader to America. But, if Tom here is not shipped, I'll no go either."
"Well, you are a smart, stout-looking fellow yourself; and, as we want a boy or two, we'll take Tom, too, as you call him. Midshipman, take these men to the doctor."
"Ay, ay, sir!" said a smart wee boy, wi' a gilt loop and cockade in his hat—"follow me, my lads!"