to be started in order to make his own way. Why should I not start you
as well as any one else, especially when it costs me nothing but the
stroke of a pen? Besides your going to Augusta saves me the expense of
hiring an extra hand."

All this seemed so reasonable that Ralph's weakening scruples entirely
vanished. He assented without further parley to Captain Shard's offer,
and was straightway placed under the supervision of the foreman, who
was in a rear stable yard haltering a small drove of mules together in
squads.

Ralph lent active assistance, and in half an hour they were ready to
start. One mule in each bunch was saddled. Extra clothing was rolled
in blankets, and strapped behind the saddles.

Emmons disappeared in the direction of the office. When he returned
the captain came with him, bearing in his hand a letter.

"Here is your introduction to Captain Gary, the gentleman whom you will
find at the Marshall House in Savannah. Suppose you read it to see
that all is square and above board."

"Oh, it's all right, I reckon," replied Ralph carelessly.

"Yes, it is all right, but I would rather you looked for yourself
before leaving. Should anything go wrong--which I do not anticipate at
all--I wish to feel exonerated in your mind, my boy."

The captain's teeth gleamed almost fiercely as he smiled in a friendly
manner, though his eyes never relented in their hard, unfeeling stare.

Ralph drew forth the note from the envelope and read:--

MY DEAR COUSIN:

This will make you acquainted with a youth in whose welfare I already
feel a deep interest. He has made up his mind to learn to be a sailor,
and I shall take it very kindly if you will take charge of him, and see
what he can do. Give him as easy a berth as you can, and let me know
from time to time what progress he is making. His name is Ralph
Granger, and he is as plucky as he looks.

Your cousin and friend,
THEODORE SHARD.

To CAPTAIN MARK GARY,
Marshall House, Savannah.

This seemed flattering enough. As Ralph expressed his thanks, he
repressed a fleeting idea that the tone of the letter was most too much
that way.

Shard shook him by the hand, and was about to retire when he appeared
to recollect something.

"Need any money, for clothes, and so on?"

"I have enough to do me," said Ralph. "You have done enough already,
and I----"

"Never mind that. Emmons will settle board bills, and get your ticket
in Augusta. Good