he eats hardly anything, and I can't eat my meals
when I'm alone down here. Will father come home after he has been up
the river?"

"Yes, Bessy, he said that we should take a spell on shore."

"Tom, don't you think I might go on board and see him for half an hour?"

"Yes, I don't see why not; speak to Mrs Maddox."

Bessy ran upstairs, and came down with the required permission, provided
a neighbour's girl would remain in the house, and that she went under my
escort. Her bonnet was soon on, and we obtained a passage in one of the
Indiaman's boats which was shoving off, for the water was quite smooth,
and the ship's boats could lie on the shingle without difficulty. The
officer took Bessy under his boat cloak, and we were soon on board.
Bramble was not on deck at the time, and when I went down to look for
him, Bessy remained on the quarterdeck in admiration of all she saw.
But Bramble was not below as I supposed--he had gone into the cuddy with
the captain; and when he came out, his first knowledge of Bessy's being
on board was being embraced by the waist with her little arms.

"Why, Bessy, my child," said Bramble, just as I returned on deck. "This
is Master Tom's doing," continued he, kissing her; "so you have come to
see your father?"

"Why, you would not come on shore to see me, father," said Bessy, as
Bramble took her up and kissed her again.

"Well, Tom, have you brought the clean things?"

"No, I must go on shore again with Bessy, father."

"Very true, so you must."

Bessy was taken much notice of by the captain and all on board. No
wonder: her fair skin and clear transparent red and white were in such
contrast with the bilious-looking passengers that she appeared as if she
was not of the same race. She was much admired, and received many
little presents; and when she left the ship, after staying on board an
hour, she was much delighted with her trip, and still more so with the
promise of Bramble that he would stay ashore for some time as soon as he
came back from the river. I remained with her on shore till dusk, and
then, having collected the clean linen, as we were expected to sail
early the next morning, I returned on board the Indiaman.

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN.

SHOWING THE IMPORTANCE ON BOARD SHIP OF A ROPE'S END WELL APPLIED.

The next morning, as we expected, the orders came down for the Indiaman
to go round to the river. The wind was fair, but light; we hove up and
made sail, stemmi