h he had seen at the Great Olympian Circus. Descending from the
yard, he grasped the main-topmast stay, and ran over upon it to the
main-topmast, and then made his way to the deck by the main-topmast
back-stay.

"You'll do, my boy!" said the captain, emphatically. "You will make a
smart sailor."

"Am I to go with you, sir?" asked Noddy.

"Yes, if you like."

"What will you give me?"

This was a more difficult question; but the captain finally agreed to
give him eight dollars a month, and to advance money enough to buy him
an outfit. Mollie actually danced about the deck with joy when the terms
were arranged, and it was certain that Noddy was to go on the voyage.

The boy's work had been carefully stated by the captain. He was to take
care of the cabin, wait upon the captain and his daughter at table, and
do duty forward when required. He was to have a berth in the cabin, and
was not to be in either watch, unless the vessel became short-handed.

"Now we shall be happy!" exclaimed Mollie, who had already formed many
plans for the long and lonely cruise.

"I think we shall. Do you know when we sail, Mollie?"

"Perhaps to-day; perhaps not till to-morrow."

"I want to write a letter to Miss Bertha before we go."

"That's right, Noddy; never forget your friends. I will give you pen,
ink, and paper, by and by."

In the forenoon Captain McClintock took the young sailor ashore, and
purchased for him a supply of clothing. Noddy always dressed like a
sailor at Woodville. This was Ben's idea, and it was quite proper, as
his work was in the boats. His new garments were not strange to him,
therefore, though they were much coarser than those he wore.

After dinner the captain went on shore alone to do his business, and
Noddy wrote his letter. About five o'clock he returned, and poor Mollie
was dreadfully grieved to find that he was partially intoxicated. He
immediately gave the order to get under way, and went down into the
cabin, leaving the mate to haul the vessel out of the dock.

Noddy made himself as useful as possible, and in a short time the
Roebuck was clear of the wharf. The captain came on deck again, when
the jib was hoisted, and the sails began to draw. The voyage had
actually commenced, and Noddy did not believe that Mr. Grant and the
constables would be able to catch him.

CHAPTER XII.

THE DRUNKEN CAPTAIN.

"Lay aloft, and help shake out the fore-topsail," said the captain to
Noddy, who was