l
of a barque of some six hundred tons burden, and below it, on her stern,
is lettered the _Calypso_. During his perambulations to and fro he has
more than once passed this vessel, but the ensign not being English, he
did not think of boarding her. Refused by so many skippers of his own
country, what chance would there be for him with one of a foreign
vessel? None whatever, reasoned he. But now, more intelligently
reflecting, he bethinks him that the barque, after all, is not so much a
foreigner, a passer-by having told him she is American--or "Yankee," as
it was put--and the flag she displays is the famed "Star-spangled
Banner."

"Well," mutters the runaway to himself, "I'll make one more try. If
this one, too, refuses me, things will be no worse, and then--then--
home, I suppose."

Saying which, he walks resolutely up the sloping plank and steps on
board the barque, to repeat there the question he has already asked that
day for the twentieth time--"Can I speak with the captain?"

"I guess not," answers he to whom it is addressed, a slim youth who
stands leaning against the companion. "Leastways, not now, 'cause he's
not on board. What might you be wantin', mister? Maybe I can fix it
for you."

Though the words are encouraging and the tone kindly, Henry Chester has
little hopes that he can, the speaker being but a boy himself. Still,
he speaks in a tone of authority, and though in sailor garb, it is not
that of a common deck hand.

He is in his shirt-sleeves, the day being warm; but the shirt is of fine
linen, ruffled at the breast, and gold-studded, while a costly Panama
hat shades his somewhat sallow face from the sun. Besides, he is on the
quarter-deck, seeming at home there.

Noting these details, the applicant takes heart to tell again his
oft-told tale, and await the rejoinder.

"Well," responds the young American, "I'm sorry I can't give you an
answer about that, the cap'n, as I told you, not being aboard. He's
gone ashore on some Custom House business. But, if you like, you can
come again and see him."

"I would like it much; when might I come?"

"Well, he might be back any minute. Still, it's uncertain, and you'd
better make it to-morrow morning; you'll be sure to find him on board up
till noon, anyhow."

Though country born and bred, Henry Chester was too well-mannered to
prolong the interview, especially after receiving such courteous
treatment, the first shown him that day. So, b