y, and walked aft to see if the wherry was yet
in sight. At that moment up came the master's mate, who had not yet
reported himself to the first lieutenant.

"Tom," said I, "there is a wherry close to, let us get into it, and go
after our boat ourselves."

"Wait one moment to see if they will help us--and get our money, at all
events," replied Tom; and we both walked aft.

"Come on board, sir," said the master's mate, touching his hat with
humility.

"You've broke your leave, sir," replied the first lieutenant, "and now
I've to send a boat to pick up the wherry through your carelessness."

"If you please, they are two very fine young men," observed the mate.
"Make capital foretopmen. Boat's not worth sending for, sir."

This hint, given by the mate to the first lieutenant, to regain his
favour, was not lost. "Who are you, my lads?" said the first lieutenant
to us.

"Watermen, sir."

"Watermen, heh? was that your own boat?"

"No, sir," replied I; "it belongs to the man that I serve with."

"Oh, not your own boat? Are you an apprentice, then?"

"Yes, sir, both apprentices."

"Show me your indentures."

"We don't carry them about with us."

"Then how am I to know that you are apprentices?"

"We can prove it, sir, if you wish it."

"I do wish it; at all events, the captain will wish it."

"Will you please to send for the boat, sir? she's almost out of sight."

"No, my lads, I can't find king's boats for such service."

"Then we had better go ourselves, Tom," said I, and we went forward to
call the waterman, who was lying on his oars close to the frigate.

"Stop--stop--not so fast. Where are you going, my lads?"

"To pick up our boat, sir."

"Without my leave, heh?"

"We don't belong to the frigate, sir."

"No; but I think it very likely that you will, for you have no
protections."

"We can send for them, and have them down by to-morrow morning."

"Well, you may do so if you please, my lads; but you can not expect me
to believe everything that is told me. Now, for instance, how long have
you to serve, my lad?" said he, addressing Tom.

"My time is up to-morrow, sir."

"Up to-morrow. Why, then, I shall detain you until tomorrow, and then I
shall press you."

"If you detain me now, sir, I am pressed to-day."

"Oh, no! you are only detained until you prove your apprenticeship,
that's all."

"Nay, sir, I certainly am pressed during my apprenticeship."

"Not at all, and I'll prove