your
dress-clothes to brush; and them done, my plate to clean. That brings
me up to laying the cloth for lunch, and--"

"Look here, Edward," cried Jack impatiently, "do you suppose I want to
learn all you do in a day?"

"No, sir, of course not. I only wanted you to understand why it is I've
no time to improve my mind."

"So much the better for you, Ned," cried Jack. "I've improved mine, and
Sir John and the doctor say that I've been doing wrong."

"Do they, sir, really? Well, they ought to know; but all the same I
feel as if I want to improve mine."

"Let it alone, Ned," said the boy drearily.

"No, sir, I can't do that, when there's such a chance in one's way."

"Chance! What for?" said Jack, whose interest was awakened by the man's
earnestness.

"That's what I'm telling you, sir, a chance to improve myself."

"How?"

"Well, you see, sir, I've got ears on my head."

"Of course you have."

"And can't help hearing, sir, a little of what's said."

"Look here, Ned," cried Jack, "I'm unwell; my head aches, and I'm very
much worried. Tell me what it is that you want as briefly as you can."

"Well, sir, begging your pardon, sir, I couldn't help hearing that Sir
John and you and the doctor's going abroad."

"Yes, Ned," said Jack moodily; "we're going abroad."

"Well, sir, I'd thank you kindly if you'd speak a word to master for
me."

"What, about a character? There is no need, Ned; you will stay here
till we come back--if ever we do," he added bitterly.

"Oh, you'll come back right enough, sir. But don't you see that's just
what I don't want, unless I can come back too."

"What do you mean, Ned? Can't you see that you are worrying me
dreadfully?"

"I am sorry, sir, for if there's a thing I can't abear, it's being
talked to when I've got one o' them stinging 'eadaches. But I keep on
explaining to you, sir. Don't you see? I want you to speak a word to
Sir John about taking me with you."

"You!" cried Jack. "You want to go with us round the world?"

"Now, Master Jack," cried the man reproachfully, "would you like to
spend all your days cleaning knives and boots and shoes, when it wasn't
plate and waiting at table?"

"No, of course not; but you must be mad to want to do such a thing as go
upon this dreadful journey."

"Dreadful journey! My word of honour, Master Jack, you talking like
that!" cried the man. "You talking like that!" he repeated. "A young
gent like you! Well, I'm abou