On entering the village we found it in a state of unusual bustle. I had
often been there before, and had thought it rather a quiet place for a
seaport. But now there was a sort of bustling activity and an air of
mystery about it that I could not understand. I mentioned my feelings
to Jack, but he did not answer me, which was a piece of rudeness so
unusual, that I could only suppose that his mind was so deeply affected
with the circumstances, in which we had placed ourselves, as to render
him somewhat absent.
On arriving at the chief, indeed the only, inn of the place, we
discovered the reason of all the bustle. A strange ship had arrived the
night before--a large ship, fitted out for an expedition to some distant
part of the world. She had come to complete her supply of provisions
and to engage a few extra hands.
Here then was a fortunate opportunity! We asked at once where we could
find the captain. He was in the bar-room of the inn. We entered it and
found him there, standing with his back to the fire and a coat-tail
under each arm. He was a big fat man, with a savage expression of
countenance, and ragged head and beard, and a red nose.
"Sir," said Jack, "we wish to ship with you."
The captain stared, took a pencil-case out of his pocket, picked his
teeth therewith, and surveyed us from head to foot.
"Oh, you do, do you? You wish to ship with me?"
"Yes."
"Suppose I don't want you."
"Then we shall have to try elsewhere."