"You see, sir, that what I told you was the simple truth. These mischievous boys have made all the trouble." "Well," replied Garretson, "as the old story has it, 'who breaks, pays,' and he must suffer for it." In his hand he carried a small cane, which he raised to strike Tommy, but the latter did not at all relish the prospect of a caning. He ducked his head, and darting past the young man, gained the head of the kitchen stairs, down which he ran, emerging soon afterward in the street. His quick eye soon detected Bobsey, who had climbed to the top of a lamp-post to get a better view of what was going on inside. When he heard Tommy's voice calling him, he descended from his elevated position and joined him. "What shall we do now?" inquired Tommy. "Don't you want to get 'ome again?" asked Bobsey. "Nothing I should like so much, but where's the money to come from?" "Come on with me, right away, and we'll 'ave a good try of it anyhow. I've got a few shillings to live on vile we're looking for a ship, and I reckon ve'll be foolish to hang about 'ere hany longer, as that cop hon the door-step looks has hif he vas seeking for hus." This advice was too good to be neglected, and Tommy put himself by the side of Bobsey, who started off down the street at a quick pace. They walked to the east end of London, and passing over Tower Hill, gained the extensive docks which line that side of the river Thames. Their long walk had made them tired, and they gladly sat down on an old barrel, behind them being an extensive range of warehouses, and in front, floating in the basin, a number of ships, which were either taking in or discharging cargo. The ship nearest them was named the _Eliza Ann_, which name they read on the stern, followed by the words New York. "That's our chance," exclaimed Tommy. "I'll bet she's come over with grain or oil, and if there's any man aboard of her who knows Jersey City, you can put up your pile we're all hunk." "Here's a chap coming down the side. Speak to him," replied Bobsey. "We want some place to sleep to-night, and if we're going to strike a ship, it may as well be done hat once." The man approached the boys, and saved Bobsey the trouble of speaking first by addressing them with the remark: "What are you loafing about here for?" "Looking for work, sir," replied Bobsey. "Who do you think is going to employ a cockney like you?" answered the man. "Get out of here." "Vell," said Bobsey, "you needn't be so huffish habout it. Do you own that vessel?" "None of your business; but, if you want to know, I'm first officer." "If you've hany hinterest in the domestic harrangements," said Bobsey, "you might hintroduce hus two has cabin boys, you know." The first officer of the _Eliza Jane_ put his hands in his pockets, and spit out a chew of tobacco. "Do you know what cabin boys' pay is?" he asked. "No, sir," replied Bobsey. "It's more kicks than half pence, and if you like to take that I'll ship you."