After that Gary and Bludson conferred together over matters concerning the ship, while Ralph twirled his cap and placed his bundle beside him on the carpet. Some fifteen minutes might have thus passed, then the boatswain straightened up, thrust some papers the captain had given him into his hip pocket, and turned to the door. "Now, youngster," said he, "we'll get sail." "Stay with Bludson, Ralph," called the captain, waving his hand gracefully; "he will see you through in fine shape." "Aye, aye. I warrant I see him through," echoed the boatswain hoarsely as the two went out. In Ralph's opinion the captain was much more agreeable and "well mannered" than his subordinate. In the hall below they encountered a heavy set, bushy bearded man in navy blue, at sight of whom Bludson touched his cap. The man looked so sharply at Ralph that the boy inquired: "Who is that, Mr. Bludson?" "That's our first mate, and a rare un he is, too." "A rare one. What do you mean by that?" "Oh! You'll find out soon enough. Best not ask too many questions. Howsever, I'll give ye one bit of advice, as is worth a heap to landsmen aboard ship, and it shan't cost 'e a cent. That is keep your eyes peeled and your tongue betwixt your teeth. That's the way to larn and keep a whole skin." All this was rather enigmatical, but Ralph understood that he was not to ask any questions. After that Mr. Bludson maintained a dignified silence as he plunged, with Ralph at his side, into the regions of the wholesale trade. They called at several grocery and provision stores, and also at a ship chandler's. The boatswain had sundry talks with sundry clerks and some drays were loaded. Finally the two emerged upon the river front where lay, among other craft, a steam tug with a gang plank ashore. Tom pulled off his coat and gave it to Ralph, saying: "Climb aboard with this, then come back and bear a hand." The lad ran down the plank and deposited the boatswain's jacket and his bundle in the helmsman's closet, then made his way back and took hold of the incoming freight with a will. In half an hour the stores were on board, and the tug, casting loose, began to steam swiftly down the river. It being Ralph's first experience afloat, the swift, gliding motion and the noisy engine interested him greatly. The novelty was, in its way, as exciting as his first car ride. "What is it makes things go?" he asked of Bludson, who was sprawled upon a coil of cable, smoking a short black pipe. "The ingine and the propeller, ye lubber," replied the latter. "Did 'e think it was wings?" "But what is a propeller?" "Ah! The ign'erance of land folks! It do beat all. The propeller--why the propeller is a propeller, of course. What else did 'e think it were." "I know, but----" "Now look here, youngster. Watching is one thing and always wanting to know is another. Stow your gaff, as I said afore, and use your peepers."