"Where did you learn to handle a boat in this manner?" "On whaling cruises, sir." "You belong to one of these whaling-ships at the wharves, then?" "Yes, sir; to _Walrus_. She lies upstream a bit, sir. Three years I have been with her." "How is it you came to leave your people, Wannashego?" asked Paul Jones curiously. "My father, Tassa-menna-tayka, a chief who loves the white people, he sent me from near Martha's Vineyard to learn your ways and be like you," declared the young Indian. There was a short pause; he turned his head for a moment to take his bearings, and then continued: "Sir, I ask if yonder ships are to fight the great country across the sea?" "They are, Wannashego." "You goin' to fight on 'em?" "I expect to." "I like to fight on 'em, too," was the sententious rejoinder of the young redskin. "Do you mean that?" asked Paul Jones sharply. "If you do, Wannashego, I think I can get Captain Saltonstall, of my ship, the _Alfred_, to ship you, as we are short-handed." "Mean it a heap," said the Indian. "I shoot good. Make two bangs--get two Red-coats." Paul Jones laughed. "I hope so. Well, Wannashego, I'll see what I can do for you." Shortly the boat's nose touched the accommodation-ladder over the _Alfred's_ side. The young lieutenant held out the promised guinea to Wannashego, but the Indian straightened up proudly. "I don't want money," said he. "I like America country heap much. You fight for him, so I help you beat our enemies, the Red-coats." It was a crude expression of sentiment, but Paul Jones interpreted it correctly, and was deeply affected by it. "Wannashego," he cried, "return to your captain. If he will release you, and you still want to fight the Red-coat soldiers of the sea, come to me on this ship to-morrow and I will stir heaven and earth to make you a member of our crew." Captain Saltonstall was to command the ship, but he had not yet arrived. So, for the present at least, upon Paul Jones rested the duty of preparing her for sea. Under his leadership, arrangements went on speedily and smoothly. The _Alfred_ bid fair to be in readiness before some of her sister ships, it seemed. Next morning, before the sun was an hour high, a yawl containing two men was seen approaching. At first the lieutenant thought it might be Captain Saltonstall himself, but his glass soon showed him his mistake. It was the young Narragansett Indian, Wannashego, who evidently had secured one of the sailors of his old ship to row him out to the _Alfred_. Paul Jones made him welcome, telling him that he was quite sure the captain would make no objection when he should appear. Thus Wannashego, the first and one of the very few full-blooded Indians to fight in the first navy of this country, became a tentative member of the _Alfred's_ crew. He took hold of his duties happily and energetically, outdoing many of his white companions.