rd them and the men could be collected.
Among them was the "Weymouth," a ship of forty guns, commanded by the
well-known Captain Jumper. Her sails were bent, and she only waited for
her powder to be brought on board to go to sea, as soon as she could
fill up with her proper complement of men. A boat had just come
alongside, and the first lieutenant reported that she contained a number
of volunteers.

Among the first who stepped on board was a fine, active-looking young
man, though, to the nautical eye, he had not much the look of a sailor.

"Where have you served before, my man?" asked Mr Cammock, the first
lieutenant; "and what do you know of seamanship?"

"I have served nowhere, please you, sir," was the answer, "but I am
ready to learn. And I know how to handle a cutlass, and shoot a
partridge or pheasant flying."

"You are the lad for us then," answered the officer. "What is your
name? We will enter you as a landsman; but you will soon make an able
seaman."

"John Deane, at your service, sir," answered our friend; for he it was
who, having put his purpose of joining the navy into execution, had
volunteered for the "Weymouth."

It was the first time he had ever stood on the deck of a ship. No
wonder then that he gazed about him with a look of astonishment, at the
guns thickly ranged on either side; at the numerous brass swivels and
other pieces which graced her quarters and forecastle, and the high
lanterns of brass astern; at the numberless ropes which led here and
there from the masts and spars, with their ends neatly coiled down on
deck; at the seamen, in their loose dresses, shirts, and trousers, with
belts round their waists, contrasting with the officers in their
three-cornered hats and long coats, laced with gold or silver, large
embroidered belts by which hung their rapiers--each dressed rather
according to his fancy and means, than to any authorised uniform.

A number of other men were then called up. Among the first was one
whose countenance Jack thought he knew. He looked at him several times,
till at length it struck him that it must be the very man who had guided
him to Pearson's farm in the fens--Ned Burdale. There was the same
sturdy, independent look, bold eye, and manner. What, however, had
induced him to enter on board a king's ship, Jack could not divine. At
all events, he felt it would be wise in him not to claim acquaintance
with a person of so doubtful a character.

He littl