d as I ascended the gangway.

"First-rate, Captain Garningham. I haven't been so happy for years as I
am now," he replied with a cheerful smile. "I begin to think I may live
for some years yet."

"I hope you will live for many years yet," I replied. "Mr. Peeks has
been on board this afternoon, has he not?"

"Yes, sir; and I am very sorry to have him leave for such a reason,"
said Cobbington, with a look of genuine sympathy.

"I believe he attended to putting all our provisions and stores on
board."

"Yes, captain; we stowed away everything last night, and we are ready
to leave as soon as you give the word."

"We can't go without a steward," I added, glancing at Cobbington to see
if I could find any suggestion in his face. But he looked entirely
blank.

"The steamers here are hauling off, now, and I should say you would
have no difficulty in finding one," he replied.

"Do you think you can readily find another good waiter?" I asked.

"I could find a hundred of them in half an hour," he replied.

"Then I wish you to find one as soon as the crew come on board. I want
one to take your place in the fore-cabin."

"To take my place!" exclaimed Cobbington, looking aghast at me. "Then
you are going to discharge me. What have I done?"

"You have done lots of things, and done them well. You will take Mr.
Peeks's place as steward, at the same wages he received," I replied,
unwilling to hurt his feeling a moment longer.

"Thank you, Captain Garningham," added Cobbington, his thin face
suddenly wreathed in smiles. "I suppose you understand what you are
doing, captain."

"I think I do; but I will add that it was my father who suggested your
name for the position."

"I am very grateful to him for doing so, and to you for giving me the
place. I think I can do the work to your satisfaction, for I have had
considerable experience in this sort of business."

I gave him such directions as he needed, and then called a shore boat.
As the Islander was likely to be our consort during the whole, or a
part, of the cruise up the Mississippi, I thought I would pay her a
visit, and become better acquainted with her officers. My uniform
procured me a ready recognition on her deck. Captain Blastblow was a
man of forty, with a bald head and red whiskers. He treated me very
politely, though I thought I could see something like contempt in his
manner, possibly at the idea of a young fellow like me presuming to
hold a position equal t