I can get you a berth in my ship, if you're willin' to take a trip to the whale fishery of the South Seas." "And who will look after my mother when I'm away ?" said I.
The sailor looked perplexed at the question.
"Ah! that's a puzzler," he replied, knocking the ashes out of his pipe.
"Will you take me to your mother's house, lad ?" "Willingly," said I, and, jumping up, I led the way.

As we turned to go, I observed that the old gentleman with the gold-headed cane was leaning over the rail of the pier at a short distance from us.

A feeling of anger instantly rose within me, and I exclaimed, loud enough for him to hear: "I do believe that stingy old chap has been listening to every word we've been saying!" I thought I observed a frown on the sailor's brow as I said this, but he made no remark, and in a few minutes we were walking rapidly through the streets.

My companion stopped at one of those stores so common in seaport towns, where one can buy almost anything, from a tallow candle to a brass cannon.

Here he [Transcriber's note: two pages missing from book] I've got neither family nor friends, and I'm bound for the South Seas in six days; so, if you'll take it, you're welcome to it, and if your son Bob can manage to cast loose from you without leaving you to sink, I'll take him aboard the ship that I sail in.