d go, promising us each a share in the profits of the voyage, and
advancement in the house on our return. "I do not hide from you that
there is danger from the climate, and in some places from the natives;
but the vessel will be well armed, and you must exert all the judgment
and discretion you possess. You are both young and strong, and have
never tampered with your constitutions, so that you are less likely to
succumb to the climate than the generality of seamen." He then entered
fully into the subject, telling us how to act under various
circumstances, and giving us full directions for our guidance.

We did not appear very elated at the offer, but accepted it, provided
Harry's mother and my parents did not object. "Tell them all I have
said," observed Mr Crank, "and let me know to-morrow, that should you
refuse our offer I may look out for two other young men who have no
family ties to prevent them from going. Our interests should, I think,
be considered in the matter."

I judged by the tone of the senior partner's voice that he would be
offended should we refuse his offer, and we therefore made up our minds
to press the matter with those who had to decide for us. Of course we
talked it over as we walked home that evening. We both fancied that we
should be absent little more than five months, and that we should come
back with our purses well filled, or, at all events, with the means of
filling them.

Mrs Bracewell and Mary were very unhappy when Harry placed the state of
the case before them; but they acknowledged that he ought to act as the
firm wished. My parents, to whom I wrote, expressed themselves much in
the same way, only entreating that I would come and pay them a visit
before starting. As soon as I received their letter I placed it in the
hands of Mr Crank, who seemed well pleased.

"You will not have cause to regret going, as far as we are concerned,"
he observed; "as for the rest, we must leave that to Providence."

Harry and I had, of course, been very often on board vessels, and made
several trips down the Mersey, returning in the pilot-boat, but neither
of us had ever been at sea. It was necessary that we should both see
the cargo stowed, and be acquainted with the contents of every bale. As
soon as it was stowed the brig would sail. I therefore hastened over to
the neighbourhood of Chester to pay my promised visit to my family. "I
shall be gone only five or six months," I said cheerfu