s, and our one bottle of port, he
returned to the subject of the morning by asking my advice as to his
future conduct.

"Nay, Pigtop," I replied, "you should not ask me. You are much more
capable of judging for yourself--you, who have been so much longer in
the world than I."

"There you are out of your reckoning. I have lived more than twice your
years, and have never been in the world at all. On shore, I'm like a
pig afloat in a washing-tub. What would you advise me to do?"

"You have no relations or friends to assist you?"

The mournful shake of the head was eloquently negative.

"And yet you will not resume that life for which alone you were
educated?"

"I will not, and I cannot."

"Well, you must either go on the highway or marry a fortune."

"Look at this figure-head--look at this scar. No--no one will ever
splice with such an old ravelled-out rope-yarn as Andrew Pigtop. The
road is no longer a gentlemanly profession. I intend to be a servant."

"You, Pigtop!--begging your pardon, who the devil would be encumbered
with you?"

"You, I hope--no, don't laugh; I know you to be a gentleman born, and
that you have a hundred a year. By hints that I have picked up, I
believe when you come of age, and all is done right by you, that you'll
have thousands. We have one view in common--to hang that rogue,
Daunton. I certainly do not wish to put on your livery, without you
insist upon it. Call me your secretary, or anything you like--only let
me be near you--your servant and your friend."

I saw the poor fellow's eye glisten, and his weather-worn features
quiver. I looked upon his worn and shabby uniform, and reflected upon
his long and unrequited services. Venerate him I knew that I never
could; but I already pitied him exceedingly. I resolved, at least, to
assist him and to keep him near me for a time.

"Well, Pigtop," I at length said, "if you would be faithful--"

"To the backbone--to the shedding of my blood. Stand by me now in my
distress: and while I have either soul or body, I will peril them for
your safety."

"Pigtop, I believe you. Say no more about it. I engage you as my
travelling tutor; and I will pay you your salary when I come of age--
that is, if I am able. Now, what money have you?"

"Three pounds, fifteen shillings, and sevenpence-halfpenny. Not enough
to take me down to the guard-ship, when I have paid my bill at the
tavern."

"Then, my good fellow, go and pay it immed