Part 5 (1/2)
The su Mr Kempson sent for Stephen
”You know, Battisob, that we have a new vessel, the _Dolphin_, fitting out in the river, and judging froence you have shown and your aptitude for business that you will be well suited for the office, we propose sending you out as supercargo, and as young Roger Willoughby has given us satisfaction, we think of letting hi to undertake the office?”
”With all hby, ill, I know, be delighted, for he has long wished to go to sea”
”We will consider that matter settled, then,” said Mr Ke, and you and Willoughby will go on board to-, and note each case and bale as it is lowered into the hold You will also be supplied with saoods, so that you will be well acquainted with the articles under your charge I will give you further directions by and by In the hby's outfit and your own, and tell Mr Tape the tailor to send in the account to us”
Stephen was highly pleased with the complimentary way the senior partner spoke to hier the good nehen a strongly-built black-bearded man entered
”Stay, Battisob,” said the senior partner; ”I will take this opportunity of introducing you to Captain Roberts, who commands the _Dolphin_, as you will be shi+per”
”Happy to entle out his hand and giving Stephen a grip which nearly wrung his fingers off; ”hope we shall get on well together I came up here, Mr Keo as soon as you are ready to shi+p it”
”WeWilloughby to assist hio”
As the Captain had some further business to transact with Mr Keer, as just leaving the counting-house for the day
”What, are we really to be off soon!” exclaiood news you tell h stool, that it was the last time I was to mount it, for I suppose that the _Dolphin_ will sail as soon as the cargo is received on board”
”Little doubt about that,” said Stephen ”The sooner we see to getting our outfits the better”
”I have brought a good store of things froood lot of them, I should think,” remarked Stephen; ”and ill at once pay a visit to Mr Tape, ill know more or less what you require”
”But how are they to be paid for?” asked Roger
”Mr Kempson will settle that,” said Stephen
”He is very kind and generous, and I aer
They at once carried out their intentions
The followingby daybreak they went on board the _Dolphin_ As none of the cargo had arrived, they had tilance round the cabin which was to be their home for some months to come It was fitted up with several berths, besides a state cabin intended for the Captain's use There were arms of various sorts, such as ainst the after-bulkhead, and there was a table in the centre, surrounded by strong wooden chairs There was notseemed intended for use
While they were there the Captain, who had come on board, entered the cabin ”Glad to see you so soon, young gentleets the worht that we should very likely have to wait for you, but nohen the cargo co away at once”
In a short ti bales and packages, which the crew began hoisting on board with the help of a crane and whips The process was a so one compared to the rapid way in which vessels are laden at the present day Stephen and Roger had plenty of tie, and cask before it was lowered into the hold, it being Roger's business to see where each was stowed, so that they ently, knocking off only for a short time to dine, so that in the afternoon, when Mr Keress He cooods, wondered how room could be found for them on board, yet after all the cases had been stoay in the capacious hold, there was plenty of rooo was complete, the hatches were put on and fastened down, and Captain Roberts announced that he was ready for sea Stephen and Roger had but little tis, to run round and bid their friends farewell; their last visit was to Captain Trickett
”Farewell, e to you!” he said, as he shook their hands warmly ”You may meet with adventures, some not as pleasant as you would desire, but stick to your duty, never say die, and hope for the best”
That evening the _Dolphin_ began to drop down the river with the tide
She was a fine vessel, not so large, Roger thought, as the _Benbow_ frigate, but she had three ular sail was set She was deep-waisted, with a high poop, and topgallant forecastle, frouns were so placed that should boarders gain the deck, they would be quickly shot down She had, besides, eight guns pointing out at the sides, and was able to defend herself against any ordinary enemies; indeed, in those days when pirates and buccaneers abounded, it was necessary for uard to be well-armed, especially when they sailed alone, without convoy of a man-of-war As the as froot clear of the Severn all sail was hoisted, and they stood down the British Channel, and Roger walked the deck with no little satisfaction at finding hi day they were out of sight of land When Roger saw the Captain and hisup their quadrants on deck just before noon to an in aone also
”What, youngster, have you been at sea before?” asked the Captain
”No, sir, but I have studied navigation, and I want to put e into practice”