ion
demanded an explanation.

"It's the finest sight I ever saw in my life, Bross," he said when the
other had finished. "I wouldn't have missed it for anything. I've been
feeling very low this last week, and it's done me good. Don't talk
nonsense about leaving the ship. I wouldn't lose you for anything after
this, but if you like to ship a fresh mate and crew you can please
yourself. If you'll only come up to the house and let Mrs. Pearson see
you--she's been ailing--I'll give you a couple of pounds. Now, get your
bonnet and come."

THE BOATSWAIN'S WATCH

Captain Polson sat in his comfortable parlour smiling benignly upon his
daughter and sister. His ship, after an absence of eighteen months, was
once more berthed in the small harbour of Barborough, and the captain
was sitting in that state of good-natured affability which invariably
characterised his first appearance after a long absence.

"No news this end, I suppose," he inquired, after a lengthy recital of
most extraordinarily uninteresting adventures.

"Not much," said his sister Jane, looking nervously at her niece. "Young
Metcalfe has gone into partnership with his father."

"I don't want to hear about those sharks," said the captain, waxing red.
"Tell me about honest men."

"Joe Lewis has had a month's imprisonment for stealing fowls," said Miss
Polson meekly. "Mrs. Purton has had twins--dear little fellows they are,
fat as butter!--she has named one of them Polson, after you. The greedy
one."

"Any deaths?" inquired the captain snappishly, as he eyed the innocent
lady suspiciously.

"Poor old Jasper Wheeler has gone," said his sister; "he was very
resigned. He borrowed enough money to get a big doctor from London, and
when he heard that there was no hope for him he said he was just longing
to go, and he was sorry he couldn't take all his dear ones with him.
Mary Hewson is married to Jack Draper, and young Metcalfe's banns go up
for the third time next Sunday."

"I hope he gets a Tartar," said the vindictive captain. "Who's the girl?
Some silly little fool, I know. She ought to be warned!"

"I don't believe in interfering in marriages," said his daughter
Chrissie, shaking her head sagely.

"Oh!" said the captain, staring, "YOU don't! Now you've put your hair up
and taken to wearing long frocks, I suppose you're beginning to think of
it."

"Yes; auntie wants to tell you something!" said his daughter, rising and
crossing the room.

"No