A skiff , however , lay beside the pier , with some seamen sleeping on the thwarts ; this , as Ransome told me , was the brig 's boat waiting for the captain ; and about half a mile off , and all alone in the anchorage , he showed me the Covenant herself . There was a sea-going bustle on board ; yards were swinging into place ; and as the wind blew from that quarter , I could hear the song of the sailors as they pulled upon the ropes . After all I had listened to upon the way , I looked at that ship with an extreme abhorrence ; and from the bottom of my heart I pitied all poor souls that were condemned to sail in her . We had all three pulled up on the brow of the hill ; and now I marched across the road and addressed my uncle . `` I think it right to tell you , sir , '' says I , `` there 's nothing that will bring me on board that Covenant . '' He seemed to waken from a dream . `` Eh ? '' he said . `` What 's that ? '' I told him over again . `` Well , well , '' he said , `` we 'll have to please ye , I suppose . But what are we standing here for ? It 's perishing cold ; and if I 'm no mistaken , they 're busking the Covenant for sea . '' CHAPTER VI WHAT BEFELL AT THE QUEEN 'S FERRY As soon as we came to the inn , Ransome led us up the stair to a small room , with a bed in it , and heated like an oven by a great fire of coal . At a table hard by the chimney , a tall , dark , sober-looking man sat writing . In spite of the heat of the room , he wore a thick sea-jacket , buttoned to the neck , and a tall hairy cap drawn down over his ears ; yet I never saw any man , not even a judge upon the bench , look cooler , or more studious and self-possessed , than this ship-captain . He got to his feet at once , and coming forward , offered his large hand to Ebenezer . `` I am proud to see you , Mr. Balfour , '' said he , in a fine deep voice , `` and glad that ye are here in time . The wind 's fair , and the tide upon the turn ; we 'll see the old coal-bucket burning on the Isle of May before to-night . '' `` Captain Hoseason , '' returned my uncle , `` you keep your room unco hot . ''
`` It 's a habit I have , Mr. XXXXX , '' said the skipper .
Balfour Hoseason Ransome VI fire right sea-jacket ship-captain thwarts to-night