"Now, heave-to, my boy, and I'll put down the right leg, and make you answer for the left. Ahoy! ahoy!"
The "ahoy" was nearly a groan again, and then there was a muttered oath.
"Did ye hear that, boy? That's the hardest job a man has to do--to cure himself of cursing. It's worse than drinking. I've been hard at it for a twelvemonth now, and I'm blessed if I ain't beaten over and over again. This pain will---- Don't you think, boy, I consider it a fine thing to swear, and take the Lord's name in vain. I think it is a shame to do it--and I beg Him to forgive me the next minute. It's just this--that habits, bad or good, stick like a leech. Now then, ahoy!"
This time Dick Colley was fairly on his feet, and by the support of Jack's strong shoulder progress towards the quay was made.
It was slow and difficult, and Toby followed close to his master's side with a dejected air, his stubby tail between his legs, giving every now and then a little whine of sympathy.
"I am hard put to it, lad, to get along. I am feeling faintish and bad; but I can't afford to lose this voyage; it's a long one, and good pay, and I've an old mother and a pack of children to keep."
"Rest a bit," said Jack. "Here's a post will do."
"Ay; I dare say I'm pretty near breaking your shoulder-blade. I shan't forget you, youngster. I say, what's up? mischief, eh?"
"I want to be off to sea just for a bit. Will you take me?"
"Well, I must go aboard first, before I can promise. Now then, on we go."
The quay was reached at last, and it was now broad daylight.
The stately ships were all getting under weigh, and there was no bustle or noise. The cargoes had been shipped overnight, and there was only a silent waiting for the tide.
"Here she is; here's my berth. You help me aboard, and we'll see what can be done."
"Dick Colley, the mate, as sure as I'm alive!" said one of the crew, who was turning a loose cable round and round into a coil of many circles. "Why, old chappie, what's amiss with 'ee?"
"Give us a hand aboard. I've been and sprained my ankle. This youngster helped me along, or I'd never have got here."
"You are just in time, mate; for we are off to the river's mouth in a twinkling. Here, why, look alive! he's awful bad."