"'Fore I go wid Mass' Eastman, I'se help my fadder in fishin'-boat, an' know how to make sail an' reef an' steer.

You jus' try dis chile an' see!" "Very good, we will try you," said Captain Miles good-humouredly.

"But, mind, my darkey friend, you'll have to work for your passage!" "All right, Massa Cap'en, me work safe 'nuff.

See now, I'se handy boy aboard ship!" So saying, Jake at once scrambled up the rigging and in a minute or two was away up in the foretop, waving his arms about and shouting with laughter in great glee.
"Yah, yah!" he cried.

"I'se go higher, if um like." "No, that will do now," sang out Captain Miles, "you can come down and go and warm yourself, after your wetting, by the galley fire, where you'll find another darkey to keep you company.