ho was eighty years
of age, was a terrible reprobate, who ruled her son and grandchildren
with the might of her tongue--and a wicked, virulent tongue it was, as
ever wagged in a woman's mouth. Constant was the war of words going on
between Nannie and her aged relative, and each vied in out-cursing and
scolding the other. It was fearful to listen to their mutual
recriminations, and the coarse abuse in which they occasionally
indulged. But, violent as the younger fury was, her _respectable_
granddame beat her hollow, for when her tongue failed, her hands
supplied the deficiency, and she beat and buffeted the younger members
of the family without mercy.

These two women were the terror of the steerage passengers, and the
torment of the Captain's life, who was daily called upon to settle their
disputes. The father of this precious crew was so besotted with drink,
and so afraid of his mother and eldest daughter, that he generally slunk
away into a corner, and left them the undisturbed possession of the
field. How a decent-looking, well-educated young fellow, like Stephen
Carrie, got entangled with such a low set, was a matter of surprise to
the whole ship. But, desperately as they quarrelled among themselves,
they always treated their handsome dependent with marked respect, and
generously shared with him the best they had.

CHAPTER V.

THE CAPTAIN'S PRENTICE.

For the first ten days the _Anne_ made a capital run, and the Captain
predicted that if nothing went wrong with her, the port of Quebec would
be made in a month, or five weeks at the farthest.

James Hawke had recovered his health and spirits, and before many days
had elapsed, had made friends with every one in the ship, but the little
brown man, who repelled all the lad's advances with the most dogged
ill-humour. James had accomplished the feat of climbing to the top of
the mast, greatly to his own satisfaction, and had won golden opinions
from the Captain and all the sailors on board. He had examined every
hole and corner in the ship; knew the names of most of the ropes and
sails, and could lend a hand in adjusting them, with as much promptness
and dexterity as if he had served an apprenticeship to the sea for
years.

"That lad was born for a sailor!" was the Captain's constant cry. "I
have no son of my own. If his parents would give him to me, I would make
him a first-rate navigator."

James was flattered by the Captain's remarks; but he saw too muc