ally were the
affections of the big warm heart which beat in his black bosom bestowed
upon Alice. It is no exaggeration to say that he would gladly have died
to save her from harm.

Alice, indeed, was perfectly happy, not feeling the slightest regret at
having left England. The weather was fine, the sea generally smooth,
and the ship glided so rapidly on her course that Alice persuaded
herself she was not likely to encounter the storms and dangers she had
heard of. She carried out her intentions with exemplary perseverance.
Never had the captain's cabin been in such good order. She learned all
the lessons he set her, and read whenever she had time; she plied her
needle diligently; and Mr Shobbrok took especial delight in teaching
her embroidery, in which, notwithstanding the roughness of his hands, he
was an adept. Indeed, not a moment of her time was idly spent. She
took her walks regularly on deck during the day, with her father or
Walter: and when they were engaged, Nub followed her about like her
shadow; not that he often spoke to her, but he seemed to think that it
was his duty ever to be on the watch to shield her from harm.

Walter, in the meantime, was picking up a large amount of nautical
knowledge: for he, like his sister, was always diligent, and, following
his father's advice, never hesitated to ask for information from those
about him; and as he was always good-natured and good-tempered, and
grateful for help received, it was willingly given. He was as active
and daring as any of the crew, and he could soon lay out on the yards
and assist in reefing topsails as well as anybody on board. He could
soon, also, take his trick at the helm in fine weather; indeed, it was
generally acknowledged that he gave good promise of becoming a prime
seaman. The crew were constantly exercised at their guns; and Walter,
though not strong enough to work at them himself, soon thoroughly
understood their management, and could have commanded them as well as
any of the officers. He also studied navigation under his father in the
cabin, and could take an observation and work a day's work with perfect
accuracy. He advanced thus rapidly in his professional knowledge, not
because he possessed any wonderful talent except the very important one
of being able to give his mind to the subject, and in being diligent in
all he undertook. He was happy and contented, because he really felt
that he was making progress, and every da