Dimchurch, that he is just the man you would like
to serve under, young and dashing, and, I should say, a good officer and a
fine fellow."

"And who is the first lieutenant, sir, because that matters almost as much
as the captain."

"He is a good fellow too, Dimchurch, a man who loves his profession and
has a good record."

"And who is the second, sir? not that it matters much about him if the
captain and first luff are all right. I suppose she has four on board, as
she is a line-of-battle ship?"

"Yes, she carries four. As to the second, I can only tell you that he is
one of the finest fellows in the service, and you will understand that
when I say that I am the second lieutenant."

"What, sir!" Dimchurch almost shouted, "they have made you second
lieutenant on a line-of-battle ship! Well, that is one of the few times I
have known promotion go by merit. I am glad, sir. Well, I will go and sign
articles at once, and so, of course, will Tom; and what is more, I will
guarantee to find you a score of first-rate hands, maybe more."

"That is good indeed," Will said. "I will speak to the first lieutenant
and get you rated as boatswain, if possible. You have already served in
that capacity, and unless the berth is filled up, which is not likely, I
have no doubt I can get it for you."

"Well, sir, if you can, of course I shall be glad; but I would ship with
you if it was only as loblolly boy."

"The same here," Tom said; "you know that, sir, without my saying it."

"Is there any berth that I could get you, Tom?"

"No, sir, thank you! A.B. is good enough for me. I am not active enough to
be captain of the top, but I can pull on a rope, or row an oar, or strike
a good blow, with any man."

"That you can, Tom; but I do wish I could get you a lift too. How about
gunner's mate?"

"No, thank you, sir! I would rather stop A.B. I should like to be your
honour's servant, but, lor', I should never do to wait in the ward-room. I
am as clumsy as a bear, and should always be spilling something, and
breaking glasses, and getting into trouble. No, sir, I will be A.B., but
of course I should like to be appointed to your boat."

"That is a matter of course, Tom. Well, I will go round to the dockyard at
once and see you sworn in, and then gladden the first lieutenant's heart
by telling him that you will bring a good number of men along with you,
for at present we are very short-handed."

"You trust me for that, sir. I know wher