d been thrust into a chair with little Susan on his knee,
"I thought you were laid up with influenza--eh?"

"So I was, bailie, an' so I am," replied the captain; "leastwise I'm
still on the sick-list, and was in my hammock till about half an hour
ago, but I'm gettin' round fast. The night air seems to do me a world
o' good--contrariwise to doctor's expectations."

"Have some supper?" said Mrs Trench, who was a weakish lady with watery
eyes.

"No supper, Mrs T, thank 'ee; the fact is, I've come on business. I
should be on my beam-ends by rights. I'm absent without leave, an' have
only a few minutes to spare. The passenger I spoke of has changed his
mind and his berth is free, so I'm glad to be able to take your son Ben
after all. But he'll have to get ready quick, for the _Lively Poll_
sails the day after to-morrow or next day--all bein' well."

The eyes of young Benjamin Trench sparkled. He was a tall, thin, rather
quiet lad of eighteen.

"I can be ready to-night if you wish it, Captain Samson," he said, with
a flush on his usually pale face.

Beside Mrs Trench there sat a sturdy little boy. He was the bosom
friend of Ben--a bright ruddy fellow of fourteen, overflowing with
animal spirits, and with energy enough for three lads of his size. This
youth's countenance fell so visibly when Ben spoke of going away, that
Mrs Trench could not help noticing it.

"Why, what's the matter, Wilkins?" she asked.

"Oh, nothing!" returned the boy, "only I don't like to hear Ben speak of
leaving us all and going to Australia. And I would give all the world
to go with him. Won't you take me as a cabin boy, Captain Samson?"

"Sorry I can't, lad," said the captain, with a grin, "got a cabin boy
already."

"Besides, your father would not let you," said Mrs Trench, "and it
would never do to go without his leave. Only misfortune could come of
that."

"Humph! it's very hard," pouted the boy. "I wanted him to get me into
the navy, and he wouldn't; and now I want him to get me into the
merchant service, and he won't. But I'll go in spite of him."

"No, you won't, Watty," said Ben, laying his hand on his friend's
shoulder.

"Yes, Ben, I will," returned little Wilkins, with such an air of
determination that every one except Ben laughed.

"Now, bailie," said the captain, rising, "I'm off. The truth is, I
wouldn't have come if it had not been important to let you know at once
to get your boy ready; but I had no one to