your captain has a party,'said the pilot,smiling.'he is happy,after his stormy crossing.'
john watched,trying to think of something to say,as the Goblin sailed past a number of big buoys in the water.they were coming closer and closer to the land.
'where do you want to go,mynheer?'said the pilot.'now,go and call your captain.'
john shook his head.he did not know what to do.they would have to pay the pilot.they would need money to send a telegram to mother.they had only about two english pounds with them,and there were too many questions to answer at once.
down in the cabin Roger was playing'swanee River'on his whistle,very badly.
the pilot laughed.'your captain gave orders not to annoy him? A very hard man! I had a captain like that when I was very young.so,we go on without him.'
the Goblin went on through the mouth of the harbour and suddenly they were sailing past a big black ship that was getting ready to leave.
'that boat's going to Harwich,'said the pilot.'the ferry from Flushing to Harwich,it's leaving now.'
john looked up at the high black side of the Dutch ferry.there were several passengers looking over the side,and suddenly John saw a face he knew-a face filled with surprise,looking down at him.
AHOY THERE!John!' the shout rang over the water.'it's Daddy,'whispered John,then he shouted,'Ahoy!Ahoy!'but the passenger on the ferry had disappeared.