The matter about Dennis was that he looked too much of the fine gentleman still, though his homespun suit had seen salt water, and was far from innocent of tar and grease, for he had turned his hand to plenty of rough work during the voyage, partly out of good-nature, and partly to learn all he could get the sailors to teach him.

However, his coaxing tongue clinched the bargain at last; indeed the mate seemed a good deal struck by the idea that he would find it "mighty convenient" to have a man on board who was a good scholar and could help him to keep the log.

So we signed articles, and went to our duty.
The _Water-Lily_ was loaded, and we sailed in her, and we got to New York.

But of all the ill-found tubs that ever put to sea, I should think she might have taken the first prize.

We were overhauling her rotten rigging, taking off, putting on, and mending chafing gear every bit of our time, Sunday included.