t off to sea, where I
hope he will have learned better manners."

"He will have learned to become a greater bully than ever," growled Ben.
"I have heard enough about king's ships, and catch me setting foot on
board one. I'd sooner be sent to Botany Bay, or spend a year in prison,
which I did once, when I was taken running a cargo down Portland way
with a dozen other fine fellows. Many of them accepted the offer to go
on board a man-of-war; and where are they now? Three or four shot or
drowned; the rest have never come back, though whether dead or alive I
cannot tell. No, no, Dick; don't you ever go on board a man-of-war of
your own free will, or you'll repent it; and, I say, keep clear of
pressgangs when you get a little older, or you may be having to go,
whether you like it or no."

"I'll take your advice," answered the young farmer, for such Dick might
properly have been called, though he had besides, being an ingenious
fellow, picked up a good knowledge of carpentering and boat-building;
"but what I was going to say just now was that, although the marquis and
his sons may not be liked, no one can utter a word against my lady and
her daughters. They always smile and nod kindly like when one passes.
When my sister Janet was ill last year, they came to the farm, and asked
after her just as if she had been one of themselves, talking so sweet
and gentle. If it wasn't for them, I don't think father would dream of
giving in, as he does now."

"Give in? He mustn't do that!" exclaimed Ben. "Their talking and
smiling may be all very fine, but I know what that's worth."

"You are wrong there, Ben; I couldn't speak a word against them. But, I
say, do you think we can finish the boat in time to get off and catch
some fish this evening? I want to take home a couple of bass or whiting
pout for Janet. She likes them better than anything else. Poor girl!
it's only fish and such light things she can eat. She's very ill, I
fear, though she talks as if she was going to be about soon; but the
doctor tells mother he has no hope of her ever being well again."

"That will be a sore pity, for, blind though she is, there's not a
prettier maiden to be found throughout the forest," answered Ben. "I'll
do my best to serve you, Dick; but there's two hours' more work to be
done before we can get the craft afloat." Ben surveyed the boat from
stem to stern as he spoke, and then continued boring holes and driving
nails as diligent