f me, and have sent me down to you, and I wish you would give me an
answer."

"Well, I expect I'm supplied with both my officers."

"I thought that was what you was coming to. Good morning, sir."

"Won't you step down below, and take a little so'thing?"

"No, I thank you;" and Morton walked away, cursing him by all his gods.

After satisfying himself that there was no chance for him in Salem, he
returned to Boston. Lounging about the wharves the next day, he was
attracted towards a fine, large, new ship that was setting up her lower
rigging. He drew near, to examine her more closely. Her guns were lying
on the wharf, as were also her boats and spare spars. From the number of
men employed, and the activity with which their operations were carried
on, it was evident that the ship was to be off as soon as possible.
Morton stepped on her deck: an elderly man, with a fine, open, manly
countenance, expressive of great kindness of disposition and goodness of
heart, was superintending the duty. Morton was about to address him,
thinking to himself, "This is no Captain Slowly," when the senior gave
him a nod, accompanied by that peculiar half audible greeting that
passes between two strangers.

"You have a noble ship here, sir," said Charles, by way of starting the
conversation.

"Yes, she is--so, nipper all that; Mr. Walker, you're getting that
mainmast all over to starboard--yes, yes; she's a fine ship, that's
certain. Your countenance seems familiar to me, and yet I can't tell
where 'tis I've seen you."

"I belong to New Bedford; my name is Morton."

"Morton! what, old Jonathan Morton's son?"

"The same, sir."

"Why, d--n it, man, your father and I were old schoolfellows--and are
you old Jonathan Morton's son?"

"Yes, sir; I have followed the sea ever since I left college, and am now
looking for a voyage."

"Well, perhaps we can suit you; times are pretty brisk just now, and you
will not be obliged to look long or far--and are you Jonathan Morton's
son?"

After a short explanatory conversation, a bargain was made.

"And when will you be ready to commence duty?"

"I am ready this moment," was the answer of the impetuous young man.

"No you are not. Don't be in too big a hurry; take your own time;" and
they parted, mutually pleased with each other; Morton treading upon air,
and very much disposed to build castles and other edifices in that
unquiet element.

Reader, if thou art a sailor, thou canst understa