"Where have you sailed?" asked Playfair of him.
"A little everywhere."
"And do you know where the Dolphin is bound for?" asked Playfair.
"Yes; and that is what tempts me."
"Ah, well! I have no mind to let a fellow of your stamp escape me. Go and find the first mate, and get him to enroll you."
Having said this the captain expected to see the man turn on his heel and run to the bows, but he was mistaken. Crockston did not stir.
"Well! did you hear me?" asked the captain.
"Yes, but it is not all," replied the sailor, "I have something else to ask you."
"Ah! You are wasting my time," replied James sharply; "I have not a moment to lose in talking."
"I shall not keep you long," replied Crockston, "two words more and that is all; I was going to tell you that I have a nephew."
"He has a fine uncle, then," interrupted James Playfair.
"Hah! Hah!" laughed Crockston.
"Have you finished?" asked the captain.
"Well, this is what I have to say, when one takes the uncle, the nephew comes into the bargain."
"Ah! indeed!"
"Yes, that is the custom, the one does not go without the other."
"And what is this nephew of yours?"
"A lad of fifteen whom I am going to train to the sea; he is willing to learn, and purely will make a fine sailor some day."
"How now, Master Crockston," cried James Playfair; "do you think the Dolphin is a training-school for cabin-boys?"
"Don't let us speak ill of cabin-boys: there was one of them who became Admiral Nelson, and another Admiral Franklin."
"Upon my honor, friend," replied James Playfair, "you have a way of speaking which I like; bring your nephew, but if I don't find the uncle the hearty fellow he pretends to be, he will have some business with me. Go, and be back in an hour."
