ength we brought up in the Downs, with two anchors down, the wind
blowing a heavy gale at south-west. The sea was the colour of pea-soup,
tumbling and foaming and hissing, the wind roared and whistled through
the rigging, and ships were driving in all directions--some threatening
to come down upon us. To be ready for any emergency the hands were kept
on deck, and "Old More Yet" stood with his keen eyes watching them,
prepared to give the order to veer away the cables should it be
necessary. We escaped all accidents, however, and the weather began to
moderate.

The captain or the mates found employment for me from morning till
night. I was indeed, as the youngest on board, at every one's beck and
call; but I did not complain. I had come to sea to do my duty, and I
knew that that was to obey those over me in all things lawful. One of
my tasks was to keep the captain's cabin in order. I was one day
engaged in sweeping it when I heard outside a voice I knew. It was my
father's. He looked somewhat surprised at finding me thus employed, but
at once saw that I took it as a matter of course, and was in good heart.
My younger brother Dick was with him. I was very glad to see them, and
having finished my job I asked them to come down on the half-deck,
where, while they were seated on Medley's and my chests, I regaled them
with bread and cheese.

"Won't you give it up and come on shore with us?" asked Dick, thinking
that I must be leading a very hard life.

"No, thank you," I answered. "Matters are improving. I got a thrashing
the first day and have never had one since. It has been blowing pretty
hard till now, but we shall have fine weather in time, and I shall like
the life very well. It is better to begin with the rough and to end
with the smooth than the other way."

"Rightly said, Jack," observed my father, well pleased to see me so
contented.

I sent many loving messages to my mother and sisters, not forgetting
Mary and Captain Bland, and after he had had a short conversation with
Medley and another with the captain he returned on shore. I felt
somewhat sad while I watched him and Dick as they pulled away, and had I
then been asked to go with them I should have said yes; however, the
feeling soon wore off and I went on with my ordinary duties as if home
and all I held dear were not almost in sight.

Again we were under weigh, but it came on to blow as hard as ever from
the old quarter. Still we kept at