s I am, though it would not do to trust
him alone in a boat, as he never seems to know which way the wind is, or
how the tide is running; but he is honest and good-natured, and staunch
as steel, and he will do what I tell him. That's all I want. If he had
been with me in the little `Duck,' we might have gained the harbour and
saved her, and though I take all the care I can, yet I may be caught
again in the same way."

David Treloar was a nephew of old Reuben Lanaherne, who had done his
best to bring up the poor lad, and make a fisherman of him. His father
had been lost at sea, and his mother had gone out of her mind, and soon
afterwards died.

Michael found him near his uncle's house, attempting, though not very
expertly, to mend a net.

He was a broad-shouldered, heavy-looking youth, with an expression of
countenance which at first sight appeared far from prepossessing; but
when spoken to kindly, or told to do anything he liked--and he was ready
to do most things--it brightened up, and even a stranger would have said
he was a trustworthy fellow, though he might be lacking in intelligence.

"So glad you are come, Michael," he said. "Here have I been working
away at these meshes, and cannot make them come even; the more I pull at
them the worse they are. Just do you use your fingers and settle the
job for me, and I will do anything for you."

"I know you will, David, and so I am pretty certain that you will come
and work in my boat."

"What, this afternoon?" asked David.

"No, but always. I want you to be my mate."

"Hurra! hurra! that I will, lad, with all my heart. Uncle Reuben has
got enough lads of his own, he does not want me, and the rest are always
making fun at me; but you won't do that, Michael, I know. We will soon
show them that we can catch as many fish as they can, you and I
together; and uncle often says I am as strong as a grown man, and
stronger than many." And the young Hercules stretched out his brawny
arms.

Michael had not expected to obtain a mate so easily, for David never
thought of making terms; provided he got food enough for the day, that
was all he thought about. Michael, however, intended to settle that
matter with Uncle Reuben. His wish was to act justly towards all men,
and pay David fully as much as he was worth.

Able now to use his nets, Michael could look forward to the pilchard
season, when he might hope to reap a rich harvest from the sea.

Soon after this he f