"What do you mean by coming aboard one of His Majesty's ships like that ?" "Eh ?" "Touch your hat, sir, when an officer speaks to you." "Touch my hat to you like I do to Sir Risdon ?" "Like you do to any gentleman, sir." "Oh, very well," said Ram giving one of his fair brown curls a tug, and showing his teeth.
"That's better.

Now then, what do you want ?" "Our Tally." "Your what ?" "Our cow, Tally." "How do I know it's yours ?" "Why, it is.

She must have walked over the cliff in the fog.

Was your cutter close under so as she fell on deck ?" "Of course not, bumpkin," said Archy impatiently, as the men burst into a guffaw, and then looked horribly serious as if they had not smiled.
"We saw her swimming and fetched her on board." "Thank ye," said Ram.

"I say, how am I to get her home?
Can you lend us a rope ?" "Who are you, boy ?" said the lieutenant, marching up.
Ram faced round, stared at the officer's rather shabby uniform, and gave his curl another tug before pulling his red cap over his brow.
"Ram Shackle, sir." "Is--is that your name, sir," said the lieutenant pompously, "or are you trying to get a laugh at my expense ?" Ram stared.
"Do you hear what I say, sir ?" "Yes, but I dunno what you mean." "Here, my man, what's that boy's name ?" cried the lieutenant to Jemmy Dadd in the boat.
"Ram Shackle," said Jemmy gruffly.