out, and lights shone in the
windows of the cottages in sight. Had he not been so hungry, he would
have again hidden under a hedge until later in the evening; but eager to
obtain something to eat, he hurried on, hoping by good chance to reach
Susan's cottage without being observed. He was passing the Rodney's
Head, when several persons issued from the door.

"Hullo! make that fellow heave to, and see who he is," said a voice; and
two men came rushing after him.

The words made Dick start off as fast as his legs would carry him. The
men, however, followed. He might still, he hoped, escape, and reach
Susan's cottage. It was before him, but should he be seen to enter, it
would afford him no shelter. If he could get round it, however, he
might double back, making his way along on the other side of the
village. He was unusually weak from long fasting, and found his
strength failing him. His foot struck against a piece of an anchor fast
in the ground, and down he fell. Before he could rise his pursuers were
upon him.

"You made a good run for it, my lad, but you are caught
notwithstanding," said one of the men. "No use in kicking up a shindy,
so come along with us and make the best of it, as many another lad has
done."

"Who are you? What are you going to do with me?" asked Dick.

"We are men-of-war's men, and are going to make you serve his Majesty,
as we are doing," was the answer, as Dick was led back to the village
inn.

"Won't you let me go and see my friends first, or let me send them a
message to say where I am gone?"

The men laughed. "You can send a message when you are safe on board the
tender. You'll be sent off there presently, with a few other fine
fellows we have laid hands on. Don't be cast down, lad, you'll like the
service well enough when you get into our ways; and if you don't, like
many others, you'll have to grin and bear it."

Dick made no answer; he was in for it, and it was useless to complain.
The disappointment, however, did not take away his appetite. He quickly
felt his hunger pressing him as at first. "I wish that you'd let me
have a crust of bread and a piece of cheese, for I have not put anything
into my mouth for many a long hour."

"Mrs Simmons will soon find that for you, and a glass of ale, too, my
lad," answered the seaman. "Maybe, if you've no shiners in your pocket,
you'll find some friend inside who will treat you."

On reaching the inn door, Dick saw a larg