"You know too much for a
young-un. Well, put a bit o' line round 'im then."
"We can't wait for a line," said Tommy, who was standing on tip-toe to
tie the skipper's bonnet on. "Now tie the scarf over his chin to hide
his beard, and put this veil on. It's a good job he ain't got a
moustache."
The other complied, and then fell back a pace or two to gaze at his
handiwork. "Strewth, though I sees it as shouldn't, you look a treat!"
he remarked complacently. "Now, young-un, take 'old of his arm. Go up
the back streets, and if you see anybody looking at you, call 'im Mar."
The two set off, after the man, who was a born realist, had tried to
snatch a kiss from the skipper on the threshold. Fortunately for the
success of the venture, it was pelting with rain, and, though a few
people gazed curiously at the couple as they went hastily along, they
were unmolested, and gained the wharf in safety, arriving just in time
to see the schooner shoving off from the side.
At the sight the skipper held up his skirts and ran. "Ahoy!" he shouted.
"Wait a minute."
The mate gave one look of blank astonishment at the extraordinary
figure, and then turned away; but at that moment the stern came within
jumping distance of the wharf, and uncle and nephew, moved with one
impulse leaped for it and gained the deck in safety.
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