t's not
worth asking. However, as you have given me the preference, I will now
tell you that the Culpepper people have been trying to find out who is
your father. Ain't I right?"

"Yes, you are," replied I.

"Well, then, this is no time to talk about such things; we shall be down
to the boat in another minute, so we'll say no more at present; only
recollect, when you are on board, if they talk about appointing a man to
take charge of your hammock, say that Bob Cross, the captain's coxswain,
is, you understand, to be the person; say that and no more. I will tell
you why by-and-by, when we have time to talk together and if any of your
messmates say anything to you on the same point which the Culpeppers
have been working at, make no reply and hold yourself very stiff. Now,
here we are at the sally port, so there's an end to our palaver for the
present."

My chest and bedding were already in the boat, and as soon as Cross and
I had stepped in he ordered the bowman to shove off; in half an hour we
arrived alongside the frigate, which lay at Spithead, bright with new
paint, and with her pennant proudly flying to the breeze.

"You'd better follow me, sir, and mind you touch your hat when the
officers speak to you," said Bob Cross, ascending the accommodation
ladder. I did so, and found myself on the quarter deck, in the presence
of the first lieutenant and several of the officers.

"Well, Cross," said the first lieutenant.

"I've brought a young gentleman on board to join the ship. Captain
Delmar has, I believe, given his orders about him."

"Mr Keene, I presume?" said the first lieutenant, eyeing me from head
to foot.

"Yes, sir," replied I, touching my hat.

"How long have you been at Portsmouth?"

"Three days, sir; I have been staying at Mr Culpepper's."

"Well, did you fall in love with Miss Culpepper?"

"No, sir," replied I; "I hate her."

At this answer the first lieutenant and the officers near him burst out
a-laughing.

"Well, youngster, you must dine with us in the gun-room to-day; and
where's Mr Dott?"

"Here, sir," said Tommy Dott, coming from the other side of the
quarter-deck.

"Mr Dott, take this young gentleman down below, and show him the
midshipmen's berth. Let me see, who is to take care of his hammock?"

"I believe that Bob Cross is to take care of it, sir," said I.

"The captain's coxswain--humph. Well, that's settled at all events;
very good--we shall have the pleasure of yo