ed
the boy.

"A careful mother would be better for one of your years, than the school
of the boatswain. What is your age, Roderick?"

"I have seen years enough to be both wiser and better," he answered, not
without a shade of thought settling on his brow. "Another month will make
me twenty."

"Twenty! you trifle with my curiosity, urchin."

"Did I say twenty, Madam! Fifteen would be nearer to the truth."

"I believe you well. And how many of those years have you passed upon the
water?"

"But two, in truth; though I often think them ten; and yet there are times
when they seem but a day!"

"You are romantic early, boy. And how like you the trade of war?"

"War!"

"Of war. I speak plainly, do I not? Those who serve in a vessel that is
constructed expressly for battle, follow the trade of war."

"Oh! yes; war is certainly our trade."

"And have you yet seen any of its horrors? Has this ship been in combat
since your service?"

"This ship!"

"Surely this ship: Have you ever sailed in any other?"

"Never."

"Then, it is of this ship that one must question you. Is prize-money
plenty among your crew?"

"Abundant; they never want."

"Then the vessel and Captain are both favourites. The sailor loves the
ship and Commander that give him an active life."

"Ay, Madam; our lives are active here. And some there are among us, too,
who love both ship and Commander."

"And have you mother, or friend, to profit by your earnings?"

"Have I"--

Struck with the tone of stupor with which the boy responded to her
queries, the governess turned her head, to read, in a rapid glance, the
language of his countenance. He stood in a sort of senseless amazement
looking her full in the face, but with an eye far too vacant to prove that
he was sensible of the image that filled it.

"Tell me, Roderick," she continued, careful not to alarm his jealousy by
any sudden allusion to his manner; "tell me of this life of yours. You
find it merry?"

"I find it sad."

"'Tis strange. The young ship-boys are ever among the merriest of mortals.
Perhaps your office! treats you with severity."

No answer was given.

"I am then right: Your Captain is a tyrant?"

"You are wrong: Never has he said harsh or unkind word to me."

"Ah! then he is gentle and kind. You are very happy, Roderick."

"I--happy, Madam!"

"I speak plainly, and in English--happy."

"Oh! yes, we are all very happy here."

"It is well. A discontented ship is