have got so right-minded a young man for a
messmate," observed my father shortly afterwards. "He will, I hope,
prove a true friend to you."

I must not stop to describe my astonishment at the crowded thoroughfares
we passed along on our way to the inn where we lodged for the night.
The next morning we went to the office of the owners in Old Broad
Street, where I was, by the signing of certain papers, bound apprentice
for four years on board the good ship "Eagle," South Sea whaler, Captain
Hake commander. This done, we made our way to the river, and getting
into a wherry proceeded in her to the dock, in which my ship lay getting
ready for sea. On going on board I looked round for Medley, but could
nowhere see him, and presently my father took me up to Captain Hake, who
was standing aft, giving his orders in a sharp, ringing voice, which
showed that he was accustomed to be obeyed.

"If he is the man his appearance betokens, he is a very fine fellow
indeed," I thought to myself. He was of good height, with broad
shoulders, an open countenance, well-bronzed, large blue eyes, and a
thick bushy beard. I don't know if he formed as good an opinion of me
as I did of him, but he looked down good-naturedly as he said, "I'll do
my best to make a seaman of the lad, Mr Kemp, and I'll keep an eye on
him, as I do on all the youngsters under my charge."

He then invited us into the cabin and gave us some luncheon, after which
my father took his leave. I accompanied him to the side. Pressing my
hand, with a trembling voice he said, "We may never meet again, Jack.
You have chosen a perilous profession, and may at any moment be called
away; but, my dear boy, seek always so to live that you may be ready to
go when summoned."

I watched him as he pulled away till his wherry was lost to sight among
the shipping, and at first felt very sad; but I soon recovered my
spirits, and having got one of the few seamen who had joined to stow my
chest away for me on the half-deck, where he told me the apprentices
slept, I set out to make an exploring expedition round the ship. I
should have been wiser had I waited for Medley, or, at all events,
avoided touching anything with the use of which I was not acquainted.

Among other novelties which I examined was the windlass, which had the
handles shipped, but I did not observe that on the top of it was coiled
a large quantity of iron chain out of the way to allow of the deck being
scraped. I sa