u," he said gravely, "I am not anxious on that subject; and, if I
were, I should wait for the appearance of the vessel itself. Besides, I
cannot think it right to risk my money in the way you propose. I dare not
throw away upon a mere frivolity what God has given me to use for the good
of my fellows. And then, if we were to bet, as you suggest, the one who
happened to win would be receiving what he had no moral right to possess.
I don't----"

Thus far the would-be better had listened patiently. But it was a bet he
wanted, and not a sermon.

"I beg your pardon," he therefore said, at this point, "I see I have made
a mistake;" and with a polite bow, he moved hastily away.

One fine evening, towards the end of the voyage, as "Cobbler" Horn was
taking the air on deck, he was accosted by the attendant who had arranged
the transfer of his berth from first to second-class.

"The gentleman, sir," he said, touching his cap, "who took your
cabin----he----"

"Yes," interrupted "Cobbler" Horn; "how is he? Better, I hope."

"Much better, sir; and he thought, perhaps you would see him."

"Do you know what he wants?" asked "Cobbler" Horn, in a hesitating tone.

"Well, sir," replied the man, "he didn't exactly say; but I rather suspect
it's a little matter of thanks. And, begging your pardon, sir, it's very
natural."

"Cobbler" Horn was not offended at the man's freedom of address, as
another in his place might have been.

"If that is all, then," he said, "I think he must excuse me. I deserve no
thanks. I consulted my own inclination, as much as his comfort. I am glad
he is better. Tell him he is heartily welcome, and ask him if there is
anything more I can do."

The next morning, as "Cobbler" Horn stood talking, for a minute or so, to
the captain, the obsequious attendant once more appeared. Touching his cap
with double emphasis, in honour of the captain, he handed a letter to
"Cobbler" Horn.

"From the gentleman in your cabin, sir. No answer, sir----I was told to
say," and, once more touching his cap, the polite functionary marched
sedately away.

[Illustration: "'From the gentleman in your cabin, sir.'"--_Page 158._]

"I must leave you to read your letter, Mr. Horn," said the captain;
and, with the word, he withdrew to attend to his duties in another part
of the ship.

"Cobbler" Horn's letter was brief, and ran as follows:

"DEAR SIR,

"Though I may not in person express my gratitude for your gre