bed, had to lie on it, as is the case with many
other persons. Even now, had he written home, he might have had his
position changed, but he thought himself very clever, and had no
intention of letting his father know where he had gone. The last of the
trio was far more accustomed to salt water than was either of his
companions. Jack Peek was the son of a West country fisherman. He had
come to sea because he saw that there was little chance of getting bread
to put into his mouth if he remained on shore.

Jack's father had lost his boats and nets the previous winter, and had
shortly afterwards been pressed on board a man-of-war.

Jack had done his best to support himself without being a burden to his
mother, who sold fish in the neighbouring town and country round, and
could do very well for herself; so when he proposed going on board a
man-of-war, she, having mended his shirts, bought him a new pair of
shoes, and gave him her blessing. Accordingly, doing up his spare
clothes in a bundle, which he carried at the end of a stick, he trudged
off with a stout heart, resolved to serve His Majesty and fight the
battles of Old England.

Jack went on board the first man-of-war tender picking up hands he could
find, and had been transferred that day to the _Foxhound_.

He told Tom and Bill thus much of his history. The former, however, was
not very ready to be communicative as to his; while Bill's patched
garments said as much about him as he was just then willing to narrate.
A boy who had spent all his life in the streets of London was not likely
to say more to strangers than was necessary.

In the meantime the fresh hands had been called up before the first
lieutenant, Mr Saltwell, and their names entered by the purser in the
ship's books, after the ordinary questions had been put to them to
ascertain for what rating they were qualified.

Some few, including the smugglers, were entered as able seamen; others
as ordinary seamen; and the larger number, who were unfit to go aloft,
or indeed not likely to be of much use in any way for a long time to
come, were rated as landsmen, and would have to do all the dirty work
about the ship.

The boys were next called up, and each of them gave an account of
himself.

Tom dreaded lest he should be asked any questions which he would be
puzzled to answer.

The first lieutenant glanced at all three, and in spite of his old
dress, entered Bill first, Jack next, and Tom, greatl