ting
outside, but the fact is that my boy is a new one, and apparently he is
destitute of common sense. Sit down. I sent for you to say that I wish
you to take the `Nancy' to Liverpool. You will be ready to start at
once, no doubt--"

"Before the schooner is overhauled?" inquired Bax, in surprise.

"Of course," said Denham, stiffly; "I see no occasion for _another_
overhaul. That schooner will cost us more than she is worth if we go on
repairing at the rate we have been doing the last two years."

"She needs it all, sir," rejoined Bax, earnestly. "The fact is, Mr
Denham, I feel it to be my duty to tell you that there ain't a sound
plank or timber in her from stem to stern, and I'm pretty sure that if
she costs you money, she's likely to cost me and the men aboard of her
our lives. I strongly advise you to strike her off the books, and get a
new one."

"Mr Bax," said Denham, pompously, "you are too young a man to offer
your advice unless it is asked. I believe the engineer employed by me
to examine into the condition of my vessels is quite competent to judge
in these matters, and I have unbounded confidence in him. When I placed
you in command of the `Nancy,' I meant you to navigate, not to criticise
her; but if you are afraid to venture--"

"Afraid!" cried the young sailor, reddening. "Is anxiety about the
lives of your men and the safety of your property to be called fear?
_I_ am willing to sail in the `Nancy' as long as a plank of her will
hold to her ribs, but--"

Bax paused and bit his lip, as if to keep back words which had better
not be spoken.

"Well, then," rejoined Mr Denham, affecting to disregard the pause,
"let me hear no more about repairs. When these require to be done, they
_shall_ be done. Meanwhile, go and make preparation to sail by the
morning tides which serves about--what hour, think you?"

"Flood at half after six," said Bax, curtly.

"Very well, come up here at half-past five, one of the clerks will see
you. You will have to run down to Dover in the first place, and when
there my agent will give you further instructions. Good afternoon!"

Bax rose and quitted the room with a stern "Good day, sir."

As he passed through the outer office he was arrested by one of the
clerks laying a hand on his shoulder.

"Well, Mr Foster," said Bax, a bright smile chasing the frown from his
face, "it seems we're to swim if we can, or sink if we can't this
winter;--but what want ye with m