thief, turning sharp round the corner,
disappeared. I shouted in vain for him to come back. My cutter was
gone. There was no one to whom I could appeal for help--no watchman, no
constable. Some persons I met said it was a great shame, but they
didn't help me. Others only laughed, and observed that such things were
very common. I waited about. A number of boys joined me and shouted
"Thief! Thief!" but, as may be supposed, I could not find him, and had
to return home very disconsolate at my loss. That evening, much to my
satisfaction, Aunt Deb had a bad headache, and could not make her
appearance at dinner. This gave me an opportunity of speaking to Mr
Butterfield.

"I should be happy to further your views, my lad, but I have promised
your Aunt Deborah to take you into my counting-house, and I have only
been waiting a day or two until a boy has left, whose place I intend you
to fill. You'll begin low down, but by perseverance and industry you
will, in the course of a few years, rise to a respectable position.
Many lads fancy they would like to go to sea, and bitterly repent it
afterwards. You will have a far more comfortable life on shore, and the
position of an English merchant is as honourable a one as a man could
desire to follow."

These remarks didn't at all suit my taste. I thanked Mr Butterfield,
but told him that my heart had long been set on going to sea, and that I
didn't expect to be happy in any other calling.

"That's what many lads say, but afterwards find out that they have made
a very great mistake," he remarked.

"But they don't all do that, or we should have no sailors," I argued. I
then told him that I had been on board the "Emu," which, I concluded,
would sail in a few days, and that I should much like to go in her.

"She's not my vessel," he answered, "though I know something of the
captain. He is a good sailor, though he is not the man under whom I
should wish to place a lad. However, when your aunt is better, I'll
talk the matter over with her; and should she consent, then I'll see
what can be done."

I fancied that I had made some way; and, in spite of the loss of my
cutter, I went to bed more contented in my mind than I had been for some
time.

CHAPTER NINE.

Mr Butterfield's office--My future prospects--I again visit the
"Emu"--Aunt Deb's good advice--I rebel--All sailors are not beggars--
My next visit to the "Emu"--Shall I stow myself away?--Conflicting
i