bout the matter, Ralph," he said,
though he looked very much inclined to do so. "If the skipper chooses
to favour you that's not your fault; but you can't expect me, as good a
man as yourself you'll allow, to be jumping here and there at your
orders; and so as soon as we get back to Plymouth I shall take my chest
and clear out of the old ship for good. I shall easily get a berth as
mate on board another craft, and if we meet again we shall be as good
friends as ever, I hope."

"No doubt about that, Dick," answered Ralph; "I am sorry, however, that
you have made up your mind to leave us; still it's but natural, I own."

"Ay, I should think so," said Dick, walking forward.

Dick might have been as active and bold a seaman as Ralph, but the
captain had, notwithstanding, ample reason for refusing to make him his
mate, for he was known to be wild on shore, and was often far from
attentive to his duty on board; while, though he professed to have
learned navigation, his calculations were not to be depended on. Still,
being good-natured and brave as need be, he was liked by the rest of the
crew, in spite of being thoughtless and inclined to give way to temper.
Ralph had a sincere regard for him. He saw his shipmate's errors, but
believed him possessed of redeeming good qualities, and hoped that he
would in time amend his bad ways.

Dick kept to his intention, and on reaching Plymouth bade his old
captain and shipmates good-bye. This occurred about a couple of years
before the time we are speaking of, and since then Ralph had heard
nothing of Dick Bracewell.

No sailor takes long to dress. Ralph was quickly ready, and a fine
young fellow he looked as he stepped back into the cabin habited in what
the old captain called his "shore-going toggery." Promising to be on
board again before midnight, he jumped into a boat which had just come
alongside, and told the waterman to pull for the landing-place.

"You must keep a sharp look-out not to fall in with the press-gangs,
master," observed the latter. "They are out every night, and are in no
ways particular on whom they lay hands."

"Thank you," answered Ralph; "I've no cause to fear them, and am not
going where they are likely to be looking for their prey."

Ralph had proceeded a few paces after landing, when he heard steps
behind him and felt a hand placed on his shoulder. Turning round he saw
a sailor-like man, who exclaimed, "What, Ralph Michelmore, old chum!
Don'