Squab explained he was invited
From Create Your Own Story
"Sir," Squab began. "I was employed by the first mate. He said he was short on crew, and he needed a boy to swab the decks and help the cook and such." He omitted that this had occurred after Squab tried to steal the first mate's wallet.
"Aye, aye." Grumbled the seaman. "Board as ye like. But if ye keep squeakin', rat, me old head'll burst."
Squab thanked the man kindly, and boarded the ship. Although he'd only just stepped off the dock, he felt in another world. Orders rained down around him, and men obeyed. Ropes tied to handles, other ropes were cut, but the thing that truly caught him off guard was the rocking of the boat. It was not extremely rough, but it was something he'd never before experienced. He took half a moment to get his legs, then walked up to the first mate.
"Squab!" He shouted upon seeing the young boy. "How are you, lad? Faring well, I hope."
Squab said that he was. "A fine thing. Now, you want to sail the seas, aye? You want to make a man's wage." Squab nodded, but the former was truer than the latter by a thousand times. "Then you'll do a man's work. Swab the decks, clean the rails, set the ropes, haul cargo. But I trust you don't go back to your thieving ways, hear?" Squab swore on his honor, and the first mate beamed. "Aye, you'll do well. Be a good lad and help Ojo raise anchor; he's the Negro to your aft."
Squab turned to see a strong black man hauling up chain near the ship's stern. He also saw a hatch that led to the ship's stores.
