nd approached the hallowed ground of the quarter-deck, I
saw him standing under the break of the poop.

He was a fine, big, broad-shouldered west-countryman with the voice of a
stentor; and, although he was dressed in a somewhat shabby old uniform
coat and had his trousers tucked into his boots, he looked every inch a
gentleman, as he was, indeed, not only by birth, but by breeding.

"Come on board, sir," said I touching my cap, when a slight lull
occurred in the general din caused by the creaking blocks and groaning
tackle as the heavy spars were swayed aloft, and the continual tramp of
men along the deck "walking up the capstan" or hoisting at the whips
leading down into the hold. "I've just come on board, sir."

"Oh, you've come on board, youngster, eh?" he repeated questioningly,
slewing round in his tracks and bringing his piercing black eyes to bear
on my small person; when he looked me through and through, "taking my
measure" at a glance. "Ah, I see, you're one of our new cadets from the
_Illustrious_ come to report yourself, eh?"

"Yes, sir," I replied, smiling in response to the pleasant look on his
face. "I've come to join the _Candahar_, sir."

"What's your name, young gentleman?"

I told him.

"Ah, you're the little shaver Mr Tangent spoke of to me the other night
when I dined with the Admiral! He said he knew your father, and thought
you would turn out a smart officer; so, I hope you'll support the good
character he gave you. Belay there, bosun's mate, you'll let that cask
down by the run if you don't look out!" he cried out suddenly to a stout
petty officer who was superintending a gang of men who were taking in
provisions from one of the lighters alongside, and lowering the same
into the after hold. "Steady, you may carry on, now; that's better!"

"Now, my little friend," he continued, resuming his conversation with
me. "We'll see how smart you can be. Run forruds and tell the bosun I
want the sail burton brought aft, and an up and down tackle fitted to
the mainyard, if you are able to recollect all that?"

"Oh, yes, sir," I replied, touching my cap again, "I know what a sail
burton is, sir."

"And an up and down tackle, too?"

"Yes, sir; it is used for setting up the lower rigging."

"Bravo, youngster! You'll be a man before your mother if you go on at
that rate!" said he, with a hearty laugh at my assurance, which seemed
to frighten the other cadets who came with me, for they looke