ething on your mind,
and I think I half know what it is. Now, I'm a plain straightforward
sailor, and don't care to go beating about the bush, so I'll speak out
plainly. You've been a good lad, and pleased me well, and if you've a
mind to go home with me, I've the mind, on my part, to take you. But
then I see Mr Oldfield here has taken a fancy to you, and thinks you
might be willing to take service with him. Ah, I see it in your eyes,
my lad--that settles it. I promised before we sailed that I'd find you
a good situation out here, and I believe I've done it. Mr Oldfield,
Jacob's your man."

Poor Jacob; the tears filled his eyes--his chest heaved--he crushed his
cap out of all shape between his fingers--then he spoke, at first with
difficulty, and then in a husky voice,--

"Oh, captain, I'm afraid you'll think I'm very ungrateful. I don't know
which way to turn. You've been very good to me, and I couldn't for
shame leave you. I'd be proud to serve you to the last day of my life.
But you seem to have fathomed my heart. I wish one half of me could go
back with you, and the other half stay with Mr Oldfield. But I'll just
leave it with yourselves to settle; only you mustn't think, captain, as
I've forgotten all your kindness. I'm not that sort of chap."

"Not a bit, my lad, not a bit," replied the captain, cheerily; "I
understand you perfectly. I want to do the best for you; and I don't
think I can do better than launch you straight off, and let Mr Oldfield
take you in tow; and if I'm spared to come another voyage here, and you
should be unsettled, or want to go home again, why, I shall be right
glad to have you, and to give you your wages too." And so it was
settled, much to the satisfaction of Frank and the happiness of Jacob.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

ABRAHAM OLIPHANT.

"And so you're my nephew Hubert," said a tall, middle-aged gentleman,
who had come on board as soon as the _Sabrina_ reached the port, and was
now shaking Hubert warmly by the hand. "A hearty welcome to South
Australia. Ah, I see; this is Mr Oldfield. My brother wrote to me
about you. You're heartily welcome too, my young friend, for so I
suppose I may call you. Well, you've come at a warm time of the year,
and I hope we shall be able to give you a warm reception. And how did
you leave your dear father, Hubert? You're very like him; the sight of
your face brings back old times to me. And how are your brothers and
sister? All well?