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[70]
on board.
The old fisherman received me with great cordiality, which was not diminished until a box was handed over the side.
“What's that, Ben?”
said he.
“A box of books, sir.”
“Mate, you may put that down in the hold.
You have had enough books, Ben; now I want you to become a sailor.
And them store clothes won't do. Go ashore with the mate and get vou some sea clothes such as he will choose.”
I went ashore, but was not quite satisfied with the mate's selection.
While I got the heavy clothing he desired, I insisted upon its being somewhat ornamented.
I put it on in the shop where I bought it, and the mate took the bundle of other clothes back.
My sou'wester had long ribbons hanging from the hat band; there was some embroidery on my jacket, and my pantaloons were more fit for the stage than for the vessel, and were not tucked in the tops of my boots.
When I presented myself on board, tile skipper said: “What do you think you look like?”
I with reasonable pride, said: “A sailor, sir.”
“No, you don't; you look like a monkey.
Now I suppose you want a good time.
You will sleep here in a bunk in the cabin with me, and you will eat with me, when we sit down to eat. I would advise you to let me put your name on the mate's watch list, and to take your place when the watch is called.
If you do, you will have a good time; but if you set yourself up here by yourself, you will never go forward without a pail of slush happening to tumble over you. You can tell the crew a great many things that will amuse and instruct them, and they can tell you a great many things that you don't know; and if you have any sense,--and you know I don't know whether you have any or not,--you will have to learn a great deal.
But you will have to work hard, and if you have got anything in you that will bring it out of you.”
I took all the old man's advice.
It was not delicate, but it was good.
I took my place an was taught to “knot, reef, and steer,” and very soon the crew became very kind and very fond of me. In the long watches we exchanged information upon such points as each had been taught, so that when the watch was at end at midnight, frequently when I was yawning I would be kindly saluted with,
A. M. Thayer and Co. 1892.
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