Bob looked, and went on, as if to the picture, 'Well, sir, I have found
that-- However, the press-gang came a week or two ago, and didn't get
hold of me. I didn't care to go aboard as a pressed man.'

'There has been a severe impressment. It is of course a disagreeable
necessity, but it can't be helped.'

'Since then, sir, something has happened that makes me wish they had
found me, and I have come to-night to ask if I could enter on board your
ship the Victory.'

The captain shook his head severely, and presently observed: 'I am glad
to find that you think of entering the service, Loveday; smart men are
badly wanted. But it will not be in your power to choose your ship.'

'Well, well, sir; then I must take my chance elsewhere,' said Bob, his
face indicating the disappointment he would not fully express. ''Twas
only that I felt I would much rather serve under you than anybody else,
my father and all of us being known to ye, Captain Hardy, and our
families belonging to the same parts.'

Captain Hardy took Bob's altitude more carefully. 'Are you a good
practical seaman?' he asked musingly.

'Ay, sir; I believe I am.'

'Active? Fond of skylarking?'

'Well, I don't know about the last. I think I can say I am active
enough. I could walk the yard-arm, if required, cross from mast to mast
by the stays, and do what most fellows do who call themselves spry.'

The captain then put some questions about the details of navigation,
which Loveday, having luckily been used to square rigs, answered
satisfactorily. 'As to reefing topsails,' he added, 'if I don't do it
like a flash of lightning, I can do it so that they will stand blowing
weather. The Pewit was not a dull vessel, and when we were convoyed home
from Lisbon, she could keep well in sight of the frigate scudding at a
distance, by putting on full sail. We had enough hands aboard to reef
topsails man-o'-war fashion, which is a rare thing in these days, sir,
now that able seamen are so scarce on trading craft. And I hear that men
from square-rigged vessels are liked much the best in the navy, as being
more ready for use? So that I shouldn't be altogether so raw,' said Bob
earnestly, 'if I could enter on your ship, sir. Still, if I can't, I
can't.'

'I might ask for you, Loveday,' said the captain thoughtfully, 'and so
get you there that way. In short, I think I may say I will ask for you.
So consider it settled.'

'My thanks to you, sir,' said Love