“Coming, sir!” said Henry. “Sorry I can’t stop any longer,” he said politely; “but me an’ the mate’s going to have a little chat.”
“I’ll have to get another ship,” said Dick, watching the small spindly figure as it backed down the companion-ladder. “I never was on a ship afore where the boy could do as he liked.”
Sam shook his head and sighed. “It’s the best ship I was ever on, barrin’ that,” he said sternly.
“What’ll ’e be like when he grows up?” demanded Dick, as he lost himself in the immensity of the conjecture. “It ain’t right t’ the boy to let him go on like that. One good hidin’ a week would do ’im good and us too.”
Meantime the object of their care had reached the cabin, and, leaning against the fireplace, awaited the mate’s pleasure.
“Where’s the cap’n?” demanded the latter, plunging at once into the subject.
Henry turned and looked at the small clock.
“Walkin’ up and down a street in Gravesend,” he said deliberately.
“Oh, you’ve got the second-sight, I s’pose,” said the mate reddening. “And what’s he doing that for?”
“To see ’er come out,” said the boy.