r I am bound up to the further
end of the Mediterranean, and you require certain suits of clothing and
other articles which cannot be procured in a moment."

"If you propose putting into Plymouth, the difficulty might be
obviated," said Roger, who looked much disappointed. "I could soon
scrape such few things together as I require, for I care not much what I
wear."

"But you have not yet obtained your father's sanction to your going,
young gentleman, and it was only provided that he should give his
permission that I offered to receive you on board my ship," said the
Captain.

"Thank you heartily, Captain Benbow," said Mr Willoughby. "From the
report I have heard of you through my friend Handscombe here, there is
no man to whom I would more willingly confide my son, for he has set his
heart on being a sailor; but, as you observe, he requires suitable
clothing, and that cannot be procured forthwith; still, if you will give
me intimation of your return to England, and are willing to take him on
your next voyage, I will send him to the port at which your ship lies
without fail."

"I will do that," said the Captain.--"So, Master Roger, you may look
upon yourself as my future shipmate."

Still Roger appeared much disappointed, as he had expected to go off at
once.

"Cheer up, my lad," said the Captain good-humouredly. "I will not fail
to give notice of my arrival to your father." The Captain evidently
took compassion on the boy's eagerness, for he added, "To show my
readiness to take you, if your friends will undertake to collect such
needful articles as you must have, I will agree to wait till a breeze
springs up, which may not be for several hours to come."

"Thank you, sir, thank you," cried Roger, looking at his aunt and
Mistress Alice, and then at his father and the Colonel, as much as to
ask what they would do.

"If your father gives you leave, I will not say you nay," observed the
Colonel. "But I know nothing of the required preparations. Madam
Pauline and Alice had better say what they and the maidens in the house
can do in the course of a few hours."

Roger turned inquiringly towards them.

"As Captain Benbow is good enough to take you, we will do our best to
get the things you require ready," said Madam Pauline.

"I am loath to lose Roger, but if he will accept some of my clothing, I
will ride back to Langton Park and get it for him," said Stephen. "It
is much against the grain, though, I confe