The bumboat-woman, the great authority as far as midshipmen were concerned, could not enlighten us, though some of the more knowing expressed an opinion that we should be attached to the Channel squadron, which, in other words, meant that Lord Robert intended to remain in harbour as much as possible, to save himself from the perils and discomforts he might be exposed to at sea.
"Paddy Finn"
W. H. G. Kingston
He now told me to go and speak to Larry, but on no account to let any one hear me, lest the expedition might get wind among the bumboat women, who would be sure to convey it on shore.
"Paddy Finn"
W. H. G. Kingston
"But, look here," he went on, "here's what I want to know, Barbecue-how long are we a-going to stand off and on like a blessed bumboat?
"Treasure Island"
Robert Louis Stevenson