"I believe I do see it," he said at length.
"Well, that's the Curlew. She's a daisy on the wind, or for that matter sailing free either. There ain't a sweeter looking fore-an-after on this coast."
"Is that Captain Gary's ship?" asked Ralph, for he had not heard the name of the vessel mentioned before.
"Well, you are an ignoramus. Don't know the name of the craft you're shipping on."
The old pilot looked disgusted. "Where'd you get your trainin'?"
When Ralph explained that this was his first sight of salt water, and that he had seen the captain for the first time that morning, the pilot shook his grizzled head doubtfully.
"Captain Gary is a deep one, that's what he is. He was mighty milk and watery, wasn't he? I thought so. Know where you're bound for?"
Ralph had not the least idea, but felt no uneasiness, as the captain was so kind; had treated him almost like a son.
"Did eh! Well, now see here. It's none of my business, but I believe in a fair shake." The pilot glanced round and noticing the boatswain sauntering toward them, he bent forward and concluded in an undertone: "When you get aboard and out to sea, you keep your eyes open and watch out for squalls. D'ye hear. Watch out for squalls."
The boy heard but did not understand. The pilot's manner, however, impressed him as unusual. He felt vaguely uncomfortable, as the old man, after a knowing wink or two, fixed his eyes upon the course he was steering, and thereafter ignored Ralph's presence entirely.