"I have my reasons for keeping things quiet." "I tell you, sir.

I held the maid, and big John Beer (Gentleman Jan they call him) held me; and the maid had both her hands tight in your belt.

I saw it as plain as I see you, just before the wave covered us, though little I thought what was in it; and should never have remembered you had a belt at all, if I hadn't thought over things in the last five minutes." "Well, sir, I am lucky in having come straight to the fountain head; and must thank you for telling me so frankly what you know." "Tell you, sir?
What else should one do but tell you?
I only wish I knew more; and more I'll know, please the Lord.

And you'll excuse an old sailor (though not of your rank, sir) saying that he wonders a little that you don't take the plain means of knowing more yourself." "May I take the liberty of asking your name ?" said Tom; who saw by this time that the old man was worthy of his confidence.
"Willis, at your service, sir.

Captain they call me, though I'm none.
Sailing-master I was, on board of His Majesty's ship Niobe, 84;" and Willis raised his hat with such an air, that Tom raised his in return.
"Then, Captain Willis, let me have five words with you apart; first thanking you for having helped to save my life." "I'm very glad I did, sir; and thanked God for it on my knees this morning: but you'll excuse me, sir, I was thinking--and no blame to me--more of saving my poor maid's life than yours, and no offence to you, for I hadn't the honour of knowing you; but for her, I'd have been drowned a dozen times over." "No offence, indeed," said Tom; and hardly knew what to say next.