"Say not a word about it, my lad," answered Captain Benbow; "I am glad
to give you a helping hand. I should have advised you to come on board
my ship instead of continuing your voyage in that cockle-shell, but I am
bound up the Bristol Channel to look out for fugitives from the Duke of
Monmouth's unfortunate army, and my directions are to cruise between
Bideford Bay and Bridgewater Bay. If I had found a craft coming from
that part of the coast, I should have been compelled to detain her and
all on board. Now, fare you well. I wish that you had stuck to the
sea, and you would have kept out of difficulties into which so many at
the present day have fallen. By the by, as you have been out so long,
you may be in want of provisions; I have some private stores, and you
shall be welcome to them," and he ordered his steward to put a keg of
biscuits, a case of Spanish hams, a couple of casks of water, and other
minor articles on board. The honest Captain, from the warmth of his
heart, could not help shaking his old acquaintance by the hand as he
dismissed him to his little vessel. Roger slipped down the side and
grasped his hand.