"This is the lad who is bound to the barge," said Marables. "Jacob, this is Fleming."
"So, younker," said Fleming, after casting an inquiring eye upon me, "you are to sail with us, are you? It's my opinion that your room would be better than your company. However, if you keep your eyes open, I'd advise you to keep your mouth shut. When I don't like people's company, I sometimes give them a hoist into the streamโso keep a sharp look out, my joker."
Not very well pleased with this address, I answered, "I thought Marables had charge of the craft, and that I was to look to him for orders."
"Did you, indeed!" replied Fleming, with a sneer. "I say, my lad, can you swim?"
"No, I can't," replied Iโ"I wish I could."
"Well, then, take my adviceโ learn to swim as fast as you can; for I've a strong notion that one day or other, I shall take you by the scruf of the neck, and send you to look after your father."
โ Frederick Marryat, Jacob Faithful
Thames Barges off Tilbury with Gravesend in the Distance, painting by William Anslow Thornbery (1847โ1907)