“I shouldn’t wish to be in your shoes,” remarked Tom. “What have you been about?”
Bill could not stop to answer, but followed his conductor to the cabin door.
The sentry, without inquiry, admitted him.
The captain, who was seated at a table in the cabin, near which the first lieutenant was standing, received him with a kind look.
“What is your name, boy?” he asked.
“William Rayner, sir,” said Bill.
“Can you read and write pretty well?”
“No great hand at either, sir,” answered Bill. “Mother taught me when I was a little chap, but I have not had much chance of learning since then.”
“Should you like to improve yourself?” asked the captain.
“Yes, sir; but I have not books, or paper, or pens.”