London to perform the unpleasant duty of reporting to
his owners the loss of their ship, mentioning, before he left, the
probability of his speedy return to personally superintend the salvage
operations. In bidding adieu to Bob, who happened to be present while
the final arrangements with old Bill were being made, Captain Staunton
remarked to him--

"I have been thinking a great deal about you, my lad. You are a fine
gallant young fellow, and it seems to me it would be a very great pity
for you to waste your life in pursuit of the arduous and unprofitable
occupation of fishing. What say you? Would you like to take to the sea
as a profession? If so, let me know. I owe you a very heavy debt, as I
have already said, and nothing would afford me greater pleasure than to
repay you, as far as possible, by personally undertaking your training,
and afterwards using what little interest I possess to advance you in
your career. Think the matter over, and consult with your father upon
it"--he was not then aware of poor Bob's peculiar position--"and let me
know your decision when I return. Now, once more, good-bye for the
present."

The weather having moderated by the next day, the _Seamew's_ crew
commenced salvage operations at the wreck, and for more than a week all
hands were so busy, early and late, that Bob had literally no time to
think about, much less to consult with old Bill respecting, Captain
Staunton's proposal.

On the third day the chief mate of the _Diadem_ appeared at
Brightlingsea, having been sent down by the owners to superintend the
work at the wreck. He announced that he had been sent instead of
Captain Staunton, in consequence of the appointment of the latter by his
owners to the command of a fine new ship then loading in the London
Docks for Australia. It appeared that Captain Staunton stood so high in
the estimation of his employers, and possessed such a thoroughly-
established reputation for skill and sobriety that, notwithstanding his
recent misfortune, there had been no hesitation about employing him
again. A few days later a letter came from the captain himself to Bob
confirming this intelligence, and stating that he had then a vacancy for
his young friend if he chose to fill it.

Bob, however, as has already been remarked, was at the time too busy to
give the matter proper consideration, so he wrote back saying as much,
and hinting that perhaps on the return of the ship to England he migh