The Cruise of the Dainty | Page 6

of Tanna, an island of the New Hebrides Group. Tom confessed that he had more confidence in the probable good conduct of the Pacific islanders than he had in that of the white men, who, however, when they came on board, looked more decent fellows than I had expected.
Just as the schooner was ready for sea, Harry and I were one evening leaving the quay, when I saw a lad in ragged clothes, who, on catching sight of me, tried to hide himself behind a stack of planks lately landed. In spite of his forlorn and dirty condition, I recognised him as the young stowaway who had come out with me on board the Eclipse.
"Hillo, Dick Tilston, can that be you?" I exclaimed. "Come here. What have you been about?"
On being called, he approached, looking very sheepish.
"Now, don't be scolding at me," he said, taking my hand, which I held out to him. "You know how I was treated aboard the Eclipse. I couldn't stand it any longer, so when she was about to sail I slipped ashore, and hid away till she had gone. I've since been knocking about, unable to get any work, for no one will engage me without a character, as they guess that I'm a runaway, and take me for a young thief. I've sold my clothes and everything I had for food, and have got only these rags to cover me."
I knew that what Dick said was true. I asked him if he still wished to be a sailor, or would rather go up the country and seek for employment, which I was sure he would be able to obtain with my brother's recommendation.
"I would rather be a sailor than anything else, if I could serve under a good captain," he answered.
"Well, then, stop a moment, and I'll speak to my brother," I said; and I ran after Harry. I told him in a few words about Dick.
"Well, he may come with us," he said. "But he must try to make himself useful, and not fancy that he is a young gentleman to do what he likes."
I ran back to Dick. The poor fellow was delighted, and burst into tears. "I own, Ned, I've had nothing to eat all day in this land of plenty, for I could not bring myself to beg, and nobody offered me anything," he exclaimed, scarcely able for shame to get out his words.
I fortunately had a shilling in my pocket. "Here, Dick, go and get something to eat," I said, giving it to him. I thought that he would rather have some food first, before he came to talk with Harry. "Then come up to my brother's house--you can easily find it--and I will speak to him in the meantime." Dick promised to come.
While we walked home I told my brother more about Dick.
"It is very clear that the first thing we must do for him is to give him an outfit, or he'll not be presentable on board, and then I hope, from gratitude, that he will behave well," he observed.
On our way we stopped at an outfitter's, and Harry gave an order to the storekeeper to supply whatever I might select for Dick. As we walked on, he told me what things he wished me to get.
Soon after we reached home Dick presented himself at the door, looking somewhat brighter than he did when I first saw him, but rather ashamed of himself and unwilling to come in. Harry, however, came and had a few words with him, and seemed satisfied that he might be made useful on board the schooner.
As we had no place to put him up in the house, he told me to get a lodging for him for the night, and to see that he had plenty of food. "I say, Ned," he added, "just give him a hint to take a bath and get his hair cut before he puts on his clean clothes."
Accordingly, telling Dick to come with me, I took him to the outfitter's. We soon got the necessary clothing for him, and then left him at a lodging with a person who knew my brother.
That evening was to be the last on shore for many a long day. Mary and her sister were in high spirits at the thoughts of their trip, for which they had got everything ready.
The next morning Dick presented himself so changed for the better in appearance, that Harry scarcely knew him. He looked a fine, intelligent sailor lad, and at once began to make himself useful in carrying down our things to the boat: most of our heavier luggage had been sent on board the previous evening. Mr Humby came off in a shore boat.
While our own boat was being hoisted in, my