You can go." The party turned to obey, when Mr Parrett added, "Three of you, Telson, Parson, and Lawkins, remain a moment." The other two went off, leaving their three comrades standing at the end of the table, wondering what on earth was coming next.
Mr Parrett's manner changed as he turned to them.

He became embarrassed, and spoke almost nervously.
"You three," he said, "jumped in after me this afternoon, did you not ?" "Yes, please, sir," said Telson; "Parson was first, sir." Mr Parrett rose from his seat, and, without saying a word, shook hands with each one of them, greatly to their astonishment and confusion.
"You can go now," said the master, when the ceremony was concluded; "good-night, boys." "Good-night, sir," said they, and filed out of the room.
It was some time before Parson and Telson, as they walked slowly back along the passage, could find words suitable to the occasion.

Then Telson said, "Well, that was a rum thing of him to do!" "What did he mean ?" asked Parson.
"Goodness knows.

But, I say, it's a jolly soak being stopped the river, though." "Yes, and having to get a `permit' when the time is up.

I'd sooner not go on than beg a `permit' of the captain." "I wonder what he'll say to us to-morrow," said Telson.