That seam'll be the better for a lick of pitch afore the tide rises, and you can use the same fire for the caldron." So she dismissed me; and in the cuddy, having washed myself clean of soot, I was helped by Mr.Pengelly into a pair of trousers which reached to my neck, and a seaman's guernsey, which descended to my knees.

My stockings I soaped, scrubbed, wrung out and laid across the companion rail to dry: but, as it turned out, I was never to use them or my shoes again.

My sweep's jumper, waistcoat, and breeches Mr.Pengelly carried off, to burn them.
All this while Ben Jope and his sister had been talking earnestly: I had heard at intervals the murmur of their voices through the partition; but no distinct words save once, when Mrs.Pengelly called out to her husband to keep an eye along the beach and report the appearance of constables.

Now so ludicrous was the figure I cut in my borrowed clothes that on returning to the cabin I expected to be welcomed with laughter.

To my surprise, Ben Jope arose at once with a serious face and shook me by the hand.
"Good-bye, my lad," he said.