The stranger turned and made a sign to the other men, who came quickly, bringing a gang-plank, which they ran out from the schooner's deck to the wharf.

The Skipper, for such the dark man appeared to be, made a sign of invitation, and after a moment's hesitation, John ran across and stood on the deck of the white schooner.
Was he still dreaming?
Would he wake in a moment and find himself back in the garret at home, with Mr.Scraper shaking him?
"Welcome, young gentleman!" said the Skipper, holding out his hand.
"Welcome! the first visitor to the schooner.

That it is a child, brings luck for the next voyage, so we owe you a thank.

We arrived last night only.

And what is my young gentleman's name ?" "My name is John," said the boy, standing with down-cast eyes before this wonderful person.
"And mine!" said the Skipper,--"two Johns, the black and the red.