Ye see there's the Falcon. I couldna leave
Davie Flett very well; though I'll not deny I'd rather be a pilot
than anything else."
"Weel, ye'll think of it any way; and if we can get the money,
there's no doubt but we'll manage the business right enough."
With that I left Jack on the wharf and continued my way, meditating
upon this chance of fulfilling my ambition of being a Pomona pilot.
I had not gone far, however, when I heard a quick step behind me.
"Ericson, Ericson!" some one called.
I turned and saw Lieutenant Fox following me in full uniform, and
with a young midshipman attending him. He came up to me, and, after
a few ordinary observations, said:
"I wanted to ask you something, Ericson. We're short-handed on the
Clasper, and we need the help of a man who knows these islands
well; someone who knows all about the people, and can be of service
in keeping down the smuggling. Now, what d'ye say? Will you join us
yourself?"
"I'm afraid not, Mr. Fox," I replied, for I had already half made
up my mind about the piloting, and with true Orkney instinct I
clung to the old ways of my family. "I'm afraid not, sir. You see
I'm aboard the Falcon just now, and if I leave Davie Flett it will
only be to join the new pilots.
"But if you're needing a hand," I continued, thinking just then of
Willie Hercus, "I can get you a lad that knows just about as much
of the Orkneys as I do, one that has always wished to be a
man-o'-war's man.
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