chance of being a mate or captain of a merchant vessel. We're in bad
luck, that's clear, but it can't be helped.' There was a good laugh on
board of the man-of-war at Archy pressing his own brother, and the
captain was very much amused. 'I'm very sorry for it,' said Archy.

"Now the captain was short of midshipmen, and, being obliged to sail
immediately, he determined to put Archy on the quarter-deck, and so he
did, while Andrew served in the maintop. But this did not last long. The
captain, who liked Andrew quite as well, and who knew their family and
connections, put Andrew also on the quarter-deck; and what was the
consequence? Why, they are now both post-captains, commanding fine
frigates. So you see, going on board of a man-of-war, which they
conceived as their ruin, was the means of their rising to rank and
riches, for they have been very lucky in the service. I heard Captain
Archibald tell the story himself one day as I helped at dinner in the
cabin when I was coxswain with Sir Hercules."

"Well, father, that's a good story to the point, but I do not see that I
ever have any chance of being a post-captain."

"Don't seem much like it, certainly; but you've a good chance of being a
pilot."

"Yes, that I certainly have; and a pilot is always respected, go on
board what ship he may."

"To be sure he is, because he is supposed to have more knowledge than
any one on board."

"Then I am contented, father, with the prospect of being respectable; so
there's an end of that business, except that I must write and thank the
captain for his kindness."

"Just so, Tom. Do you dine with me?"

"No, father. I promised to meet Bramble at the 'Jolly Sailors.' We are
going up to Mr. Wilson's."

"Ay, about the farm he wants to buy. Well, the clock is striking, so
good-by till this evening."

I must explain to the reader that Mr. Wilson, having heard of Bramble's
intention to purchase the farm, very kindly interfered. He had a son who
was a solicitor at Dover, and he recommended Bramble not to appear
personally, but let his son manage the affair for him, which he promised
should be done without expense. The next morning Bramble and I took our
leave and quitted Greenwich, taking the coach to Dover; for Bramble,
having a good deal of money in his pocket, thought it better to do so
than to wait till he could take a ship down the river. On our arrival at
Dover we called upon Mr. Wilson's son, who had already made inquiries,
a