The boat dropped astern, but the pilot nimbly boarded the lugger.
A powerful man in reefer jacket, sou'-wester, and sea-boots greeted him with—
"You seem pretty free with strangers, my lad."
The pilot held out a piece of paper. The captain took it and read—
"It is by our order and for the good of the cause that the bearer is authorised to act."
The signature was a rude hieroglyphic. The captain's manner immediately showed that he recognised it, and respected it.
"Am I to understand that you take command?"
The pilot bowed, and tendered a second paper. The captain read—
"Should the bearer fail to accomplish that which he has undertaken, it will be for the captain of the 'Swift' to see that he gives no further trouble."