nothing," said the steward. "A bit lively after being at
anchor so long."

"Oh, that's it, is it?" said Edward, rising. "You'll soon get used to
it. Not much of a sailor I suppose?"

"Not a bit of one, but mean to be. I say, who are you?"

"Steward, and I suppose you are to be my mate?"

"Oh, am I?" said Edward; "very well, anything for a change."

The steward turned and left the cabin, for there were steps, and
directly after Jack appeared at the door, tried to walk steadily to a
seat, but a sudden careening over sent him to port, and he would have
fallen heavily if the man had not made an effort to save him, when they
went down together, the man undermost.

"Quite welcome, sir," said Edward, struggling up and helping Jack to a
seat. "Sorry I ain't a bit fatter, sir; only if I was you I'd hold on
till I get used to it, in case I'm not always there to be buffer."

"Oh!" groaned Jack, whose face was ghastly.

"Why, Mr Jack, sir, don't look like that. You fight it down. Feel a
bit queer?"

"Horrible, Ned. Help me to get to my berth."

"Oh, I wouldn't cave in, sir. It'll soon go off."

"Will it?" groaned Jack. "I was afraid to come down for fear they
should see and laugh at me. Oh, how bad I am! Why did we come?"

"I dunno, sir. It was the guv'nor's doing. But you try and keep up."

"It is impossible. You don't know how bad I feel."

"No, sir, but I know how bad I feel."

"You!" said Jack dismally. "Surely you are not going to be ill?"

"Why not, sir? I feel just as if my works had gone all wrong, but I
haven't got time to be ill. Come on deck, sir."

"No. Help me to my berth."

"Right, sir," said the man; and waiting till the vessel seemed steadier,
he took tightly hold of his young master's arm, helped him to his legs,
and tried to guide him across the cabin to his little state-room; but at
the first step Jack made a dive, and they went down together.

"Please, sir, this ain't swimming lessons."

"Let me crawl," groaned Jack.

"No, sir, don't do that. Here, give me your hand again. Up you gets.
That's the way. This time does it. Told you so. Here we are."

"Don't, please don't talk to me," said Jack in a low voice. "Help me
into the berth.--Yes, thank you. Now go away and leave me."

"Won't roll out, will you, sir?"

"Don't--don't talk to me. Please go."

"Poor chap!" muttered Edward. "I do wish he'd got just a little bit o'
pluck in him. But it do make you feel