Neither of them moved, and I stood by waiting.

The captain showed himself on the poop; and I saw him at the side looking over, and then he disappeared; on the way to meet them on shore, I expected.

But he just went down below again.

So, not seeing him, I said: "Let me help you on board, sir." "On board!" says he in a silly fashion.

"On board!" "It's not a very good ladder, but it's quite firm," says I, as he seemed to be afraid of it.