"We'll soon then be able to give that brute of a skipper the slip.

I won't stop on board this horrid brig a minute longer than I can help, Martin, you may be certain!" "Avast--belay that!" interposed Jorrocks, who was close behind, and heard this confession.

"Don't you count your chickens afore they're hatched, young master! Take my word for it, the skipper won't let you out of his sight 'fore you've paid him for your grub and passage." "But how can he, when we've got no money ?" asked Tom.
"That makes no difference," said Jorrocks, with an expressive wink that spoke volumes.

"You'll see if he don't make you work 'em out, and that'll be as good to him as if you paid him a shiner or two.

You jest wait till we gets to Noocastle, my lad, and I specs you'll larn what coal-screening is afore you've done with it." "And what if we refuse ?" inquired Tom, to whom this grimy prospect did not appear over-pleasant.
"Why, there'll be larruping," replied the boatswain, significantly, with another expressive wink, and Tom was silenced; but, it was only for a moment, as he looked up again the instant afterwards with his usual bright expression.
"Perhaps it will be wisest to make the best of a bad job, Martin, eh ?" he said, cheerfully.