l, and that there was no use being good.
I did not know that it was sin brought the misery I saw around me into
the world, and that God hates sin, but loves sinners; for if he doesn't,
he'd never have sent his only Son into the world to save them. At last
I was asked what trade I would be, and I said, `A sailor;' for I had
been reading about the sea, and thought I should like to live on it. So
they sent me down here, and I do like it, Ned, right well. And now I've
told you all this, because I want to ask you if you'd like to go to
Field Lane. I tell you it is a blessed place; and a blessed moment it
was to me when I entered it. You'd learn to read and write, and be
looked after, and learn to gain your daily bread, and be told about God
and Jesus Christ, and how to be happy; and if you don't know about them,
you can't be happy, that I tell you."

Ned had been much surprised with all he had seen on board ship, but he
was more surprised at what Bill told him, though in a different way. He
said, certainly that he should like to go there, but how could he? Bill
replied that "where there's a will there's a way." Many of his
shipmates had heard Ned's history, and were interested in him; and he
would speak to the first lieutenant and to some of the officers, who
were kind, Christian men, and see what could be done.

Bill Hudson did do his best, and very effectual that was. He had acted
as officer's servant, and saved up some money; and he went round the
ship and told Ned's story; and all who heard it subscribed--some more
and some less; and the officers, when they heard his proposal,
subscribed very liberally. Ned was invited down to Bill's mess, and
never had he eaten so hearty a dinner.

"No wonder the sailors on board here grow stout and strong, if they have
so good a dinner as this every day," he observed.

"It's the same every day. No banyan days with us, now, in the navy,"
was the answer.

At last Bill Hudson's plan was matured, and the power granted him for
carrying it into execution. Ned was told he must stop on board for tea.
In the evening Bill came to him triumphant.

"It's all settled," he exclaimed. "You see, Ned, it would never do for
you to go up to big London all by yourself, and to wander about, not
knowing your way; so I've got leave from the first lieutenant to go with
you."

"You--you go up to London with me; that will be good!" exclaimed Ned,
delighted.

Ned slept on board, and, from