I can see the lad is good-tempered and willing. He is a
stranger here among us all, he can't speak a word of our language, and
he has a right to fair treatment. When he gets to know our language
he will be able to shift for himself; but until he does I mean to look
after him, and any one who plays tricks on him has got to talk to me."
As Jacques Clery was one of the most powerful and active men on board
the brig, this assertion was sufficient to put a stop to practical
joking with Ralph, and the lad had a much easier time of it than he
expected. The men, finding him willing to work and anxious to oblige
in every way, soon took to him; and by paying attention to their talk,
and asking the French name of every object on board the ship, it was
not many days before Ralph found himself able so far to understand
that he could obey orders, and pull and haul on any sheet that needed
handling.
Upon the second day, the wind having dropped again, more sail was set,
and when the word was given to go aloft he went up with the rest; and
although he was of little practical use in loosing the gaskets, he
soon shook off his first feelings of discomfort and nervousness on
seeing how carelessly and unconcernedly the men on each side of him
did their work, and before he had been many days at sea was as quick
and active aloft as any of the hands on board the brig.
Pages:
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85