ow that, if taken on board a
man-of-war, they would sooner blow the ship up than remain in her; that
all ships were alike--perfect hells afloat; and that it would be better
to be shot or hung at once than to endure the existence they would have
to lead on board. Of one thing he himself was certain, that he was
heartily sick of being kept down in the cutter's hold. He felt eager to
get free, even though he might have to exchange it for one of the
much-abused king's ships.

At length, the weather moderating, the cutter got under way and stood
for Spithead, where several men-of-war rode at anchor. While the cutter
lay hove to, a boat with a lieutenant from one of them came alongside.
The officer, on stepping on board, ordered the men to be mustered. Dick
watched him, and thinking from his countenance that he must be a
good-natured, kind man, hoped that he himself might be among those he
was about to select for his ship. The lieutenant spoke to the men one
by one, asking them various questions, and finally chose a dozen of the
best hands, who were forthwith ordered to get into his boat.

Dick was greatly disappointed on finding that Ben and he were not taken.
The commander of the cutter then received directions to run into
Portsmouth harbour, and to take the remainder of the prisoners on board
another ship, which lay there ready to receive them. Various surmises
were offered as to what ship she might be. Neither Dick nor Ben could
gain any information.

"It matters very little; they're all alike," growled Ben.

On entering the harbour the question was soon settled. A fine frigate
lay at anchor off the dockyard, with her sails bent, and with every
appearance of being ready for sea. The cutter brought up close to her,
and a signal being made, she at once sent a boat alongside.

"Now, lads, tumble up!" cried the lieutenant. "You have got to serve
his Majesty, and I would advise you to put a good face upon the matter,
and show that you are honest Englishmen, ever ready to do your duty and
fight for your country. You'll come back with your pockets full of
prize money, and be glad you went."

Dick listened. "That's what I want to do," he said to himself; "and I
will if I can."

Some of the old hands--Ben among the rest--were not influenced in the
same way.

"All very fine!" he growled out; "but the proof of the pudding is in the
eating. We shall get more scars on our backs from the cat than guineas
in our p