It's a clip in the middle of a movie.  The black man is one of the main characters, the white sailor a minor one.  The black man wants to get on the ship.   He is traveling somewhere.  He is not planning on working aboard the ship; he will only be a passenger.  The sailor would like something from the main character--money or a ticket or even a promise to work on board.  The traveler is calm and collected.  He knows what needs to be done, and he has been in many situations where others believe he is a member of the crew rather than a passenger.  He is not haughty, but he will ride and not work the boat.  Though honestly, if he had to, he would not be unwilling.  His destination is more important than the means of arrival, and he enjoys a hard day's work.  
