welcome there; it
was, in fact, almost as much his home as was his house in Plymouth,
where he lived with his only relation, his sister Mary, on whom, be it
whispered, Roger had already begun to look with eyes which had somewhat
more in them than mere friendship.

After the two lads had had a meal--which they sorely needed after their
long pull--Roger intimated that he desired to speak to his father and
mother in private; so they all three moved to an adjoining room.

Said Roger: "My dear father and mother, I have for some time been of the
opinion that I am only wasting my days at home here doing nothing, and
have long been wishing to speak to you both about the matter. While I
was on my holiday in Plymouth I heard of nothing but the adventures and
exploits of those men who have gone to the Indies and the South American
coast, and of their success in arms against the Spaniards. To my mind
there is no occupation so befitting an English gentleman as that of
taking up arms against our natural enemies, the Spanish; and also it is
quite clear to me that huge fortunes are to be won in this grand game of
war; while you both know, as well as I, in what great need of money our
house stands at present. So a few mornings ago I finally determined
that, if I could obtain your consent and permission, I would enter into
the profession upon which I have set my heart, without further delay.
And as Cavendish is sailing very shortly for the Indies and the Spanish
Main, I think it would be a good plan for me to sail with him if he can
be persuaded to take me. I have spoken with Harry on the matter, and he
has agreed to sail with me; while, as some compensation for my loss to
you, he will leave his sister Mary--of whom I know you are very fond--
with you, to be in your safe-keeping until our return, which God grant
may be not only with honour and glory, but also with sufficient money
from prizes to enable us to retrieve the fortunes of our house! You may
perhaps think that I ain too young, and had better wait for a few years;
yet Cavendish himself is only twenty-six, and he is not only joining an
expedition, but is actually captain of it. I think, therefore, that I
am quite old enough to be one of the members of his crew; and if I show
any promise, and work hard, as I fully intend to do, no doubt Cavendish
will soon promote me to some post under him as an officer of rank,
suitable to my age and ability. This, then, is what I have wis