“‘You see, it’s this way, Bill,’ ses Joe, soft-like. ‘As soon as the mate sees you there’ll be trouble for all of us.’
“‘For all of us,’ repeats Bill, nodding.
“‘Whereas,’ ses Joe, looking round for support, ‘if we gets up a little collection for you and you should find it convenient to desart.’
“‘’Ear, ’ear,’ ses a lot o’ voices. ‘Bravo, Joe.’
“‘Oh, desart is it?’ ses Bill; ‘an’ where are we goin’ to desart to?’
“‘Well, that we leave to you,’ ses Joe; ‘there’s many a ship short-’anded as would be glad to pick up sich a couple of prime sailor-men as you an’ Bob.’
“‘Ah, an’ wot about our black faces?’ ses Bill, still in the same sneering, ungrateful sort o’ voice.
“‘That can be got over,’ ses Joe.
“’Ow?’ ses Bill and Bob together.
“‘Ship as nigger cooks,’ ses Joe, slapping his knee and looking round triumphant.