`` What I can do , that I 'll do , '' I said . `` It 's a bargain ! '' cried Long John . `` You speak up plucky , and by thunder , I 've a chance ! '' He hobbled to the torch , where it stood propped among the firewood , and took a fresh light to his pipe . `` Understand me , Jim , '' he said , returning . `` I 've a head on my shoulders , I have . I 'm on squire 's side now . I know you 've got that ship safe somewheres . How you done it , I do n't know , but safe it is . I guess Hands and O'Brien turned soft . I never much believed in neither of THEM . Now you mark me . I ask no questions , nor I wo n't let others . I know when a game 's up , I do ; and I know a lad that 's staunch . Ah , you that 's young -- you and me might have done a power of good together ! '' He drew some cognac from the cask into a tin cannikin . `` Will you taste , messmate ? '' he asked ; and when I had refused : `` Well , I 'll take a drain myself , Jim , '' said he . `` I need a caulker , for there 's trouble on hand .
And talking o ' trouble , why did that doctor give me the chart , XXXXX ? ''
Jim John O'Brien THEM cannikin caulker chance firewood ship staunch