None of the things will be down here before that." Reuben stepped into the boat, which at once pushed off.

The men rowed easily, for they were anxious to hear the particulars of the report which had circulated through the ship.

Bill Hardy was rowing the stroke oar, and did the questioning.
"You may try to make little of it," he said, "but I tell you, Reuben, it were a right down good thing--a thing any man would have right to be proud of.
"What do you say, mates ?" There was a general chorus of "Ay, ay." "I took you in hand when you came on board, young un," Bill went on, "and I looks upon you as my chick, and I tell you I feel proud on you.

I felt sure you would turn out a good un, some day, but I didn't look to see it so quick.
"In oars!" The boat ran up alongside the gangway, and Reuben was soon upon deck.

He was there met by the captain, who had just come up as the boat rowed alongside.