o the care of Him who watches over all the
creatures of His hands! I felt that there was a reality in that prayer,
such as I had never before comprehended.

Breakfast over, and parting embraces given, we started, and rattling
away to Margate, were soon on board the "Royal Adelaide" on our way up
the Thames. Bitter as was the cold, I was too much occupied in running
about and examining everything connected with the steamer to mind it.
The helm, the machinery, the masts and rigging, the huge paddle-wheels,
the lead and lead-line, all came under my notice. As I was in no ways
bashful I made the acquaintance of several persons on board, and among
others I spoke to a lad considerably my senior, whose dress and
well-bronzed face and hands showed me that he was a sailor.

"Are you going to sea, youngster?" he asked, looking me over from head
to foot, as if to judge how far I was cut out for a nautical life.

"Yes, in a few days, I hope, on board the `Eagle,'" I answered.

"That is curious; she is the ship I belong to," he remarked. "You're in
luck, for she's a smart craft, and, as things go, we are tolerably
comfortable on board; but you must be prepared to take the rough with
the smooth, mind you; there are a good many things to rub against afloat
as well as ashore, you'll find."

"And what sort of man is the captain?" I asked somewhat eagerly,
anxious to know the character of my future commander.

"The captain is the captain, and while you are on board his ship you'd
better not rub against him, but listen to what he tells you to do, and
do it; sharp's the word with him." I was not much the wiser from this
information, but I gathered from it that Captain Hake was a man who
would stand no nonsense. I determined at all events to learn my duty,
and to try and perform it to the best of my power. I next asked my new
friend his name, supposing that, though he looked young, he might be one
of the mates.

"Andrew Medley," he answered. "I am still an apprentice, as you are
about to become, so we shall be messmates; and if you are wise, I hope
that we shall get on well together."

"I hope so," I replied, with confidence, liking his looks. Just then my
father came up, and hearing that Medley was to be my messmate, shook
hands with him. Presently he sent me off on some excuse or other, and
drawing Medley aside, had a short, earnest talk with him. What it was
about I did not at the time know.

"I am thankful that you