Well, lad"-- turning to Venning--"you don't want me to pick up a creature like that ?" "I don't think it is far away, sir.

I think I see a tree or boat, and if you would lower me over the bows and ease the vessel----" "Well ?" "Perhaps I could pick it up." "You are not afraid of being bitten ?" "I think it would know I meant it good." The skipper laughed good-humouredly.

"Well, you're a plucky lad, and, at any rate, I'd not be losing time." He touched the bell, and motioned to the steersman.

The ship slowed down and came round.

"Mr.
Bobbins, just sling this young gentleman over the port-bows, and have a light lowered.