dependant
would have destroyed every chance of happiness for me, and so I resolved
that I would fearlessly throw myself upon the broad ocean of life, and
trust that some sea current or favoring wind would bear me at last into
a harbor of safety."

"What can you do?" asked the skipper, curtly.

"Everything, and nothing! I have, so to say, the 'sentiment' of all
things in my heart, but am not capable of executing one of them. With
the most correct ear, I know not a note of music; and though I could
not cook you a chop, I have the most excellent appreciation of a
well-dressed dinner."

"Well," said he, laughing, "I must confess I don't suspect these to be
exactly the sort of gifts to benefit your fellow-man."

"And yet," said I, "it is exactly to individuals of this stamp that the
world accords its prizes. The impresario that provides the opera could
not sing nor dance. The general who directs the campaign might be sorely
puzzled how to clean his musket or pipeclay his belt. The great minister
who imposes a tax might be totally unequal to the duty of applying its
provisions. Ask him to gauge a hogshead of spirits, for instance. _My_
position is like _theirs_. I tell you, once more, the world wants men of
wide conceptions and far-ranging ideas,--men who look to great results
and grand combinations."

"But, to be practical, how do you mean to breakfast to-morrow morning?"

"At a moderate cost, but comfortably: tea, rolls, two eggs, and a
rumpsteak with fried potatoes."

"What's your name?" said he, taking out his note-book. "I mustn't forget
you when I hear of you next."

"For the present, I call myself Potts,--Mr. Potts, if you please."

"Write it here yourself," said he, handing me the pencil. And I wrote in
a bold, vigorous hand, "Algernon Sydney-Potts," with the date.

"Preserve that autograph, Captain," said I; "it is in no-spirit of
vanity I say it, but the day will come you 'll refuse a ten-pound note
for it."

"Well, I'd take a trifle less just now," said he, smiling.

He sat for some time gravely contemplating the writing, and at length,
in a sort of half soliloquy, said, "Bob would like him,--he would suit
Bob." Then, lifting his head, he addressed me: "I have a brother in
command of one of the P. and O. steamers,--just the fellow for _you_. He
has got ideas pretty much like your own about success in life, and won't
be persuaded that he isn't the first seaman in the English navy; or
that he hasn't a