aims, and in order that their incomes might be improved
these married men were coaxingly urged to seek an engagement
as cook--a post which carried with it ten shillings per
month more than the able seamen's pay, besides other
emoluments, such as the dripping saved by skimming the
coppers in which the beef or pork was boiled, and casking it
ready for turning into cash wherever the voyage ended. The
proceeds, together with any balance of wages, were handed
over to the custody of the imperious lady, who was
continuously reminding the object of her affection that he
should apply himself more studiously to learning during his
voyages, so that he would have less time to stay at the
navigation school, and more quickly achieve nautical
distinction when their savings amounted to the sum required
for passing the Board of Trade examination first, only mate,
and then for master. But once they got their mate's
certificates, financing became easier; and, although
domestic expenditure might have increased, the good lady
steadily kept in view the joy that would light up their home
and come into her life when she could hear her husband
addressed by the enchanting title of "Captain!" Hence the
effort to save became a fixed habit.

When their object was attained, and the husband had passed
his examination successfully, he soon got a command, and
although the pay was small many of these men, with the
assistance of their wives, saved sufficient to take an
interest in a vessel. This was an achievement never to be
forgotten. The news spread quickly over a large district.
The gossips became greatly engaged, and the distinguished
person was the object of respectful attention as he walked
up and down the quays or public thoroughfares with an air of
sanctified submission. It was a great thing to become part
owner of a vessel in those days when large dividends were so
easily made, and a small share very often led up to
considerable fortune.

It is not to be supposed that the only road to success was
through the galley doors. I do not mean that at all. There
were scores of men that became shipmasters on our north-east
coast who never sought the opportunity of figuring in the
galley, and even if they had they could not have cooked a
potato without spoiling it! It has long been a saying among
sailors that "God sends grub and the devil sends cooks," and
the saying is quite as true to-day as it was when cooks had
not the advantages they have