Johnston. But his mother and Mrs. Spence, who keeps the 'Blue William' here, were first cousins. . . . Bill Johnston of the 'Britisher.'"
Bill Johnston of the "stumpy" called "Britisher" had in his childhood sailed from that port aboard a coaling schooner. Afterwards he had "been South," he had been in the Cape Mounted Police, then he had returned to London. He had saved a little money and bought a share in his "stumpy," which is a barge without a top-sail: he had carried freight unceasingly from Rotherhithe into the Pool or into the canals; his employers had advanced him money to buy the barge outright; he had carried freights until he had paid them back, "And now," his eulogiser comments, "he sails that there river, Bill Johnston, with his missis for mate and his kid for apprentice; he's in his own home with a cooking range in the cabin and a joint hanging in the hatchway for a larder. He's his own master; he comes when he will and he goes; he draws a steady three quid a week, and he's buying up other barges gradual."
The young fishermen standing round dive their hands deeper into their russet breeches pockets and gaze out over the rubble of old boats, cork floats, harbour mud and piles. The old man sucks at his pipe, spits, waves a grimy hand wanting a thumb, and says, "Just such a lad as you be Bill Johnston were," and a boy moves his hands in his pockets sighing "Ah!"
You will see scenes just the same besides the Bay of
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