But see here, can you manage her by yourself or shall I help shove her off for you ?" "Lord love 'ee, I can manage her sure enough," the other called back shrilly and a trifle truculently.

"I knows 'er ways and she knows her master--ought to by now the old strumpet, if years count for anythink.

So don't 'ee go wetting yer dandy shoes for the likes of her and me, Cap'en." And keckling with thin wheezy laughter he straightened his back, and, planting one oar in the sand, set the boat afloat again skilfully..