had all disappeared under the forecastle, leaving
room for us to pass along the deck, the boatswain stepped up to the
captain to present himself; and I followed his example.

"Hi, Rooney, man," said Captain Gillespie accosting Tim, "I'm glad you
haven't deserted us; though I knew it before, for I heard your voice
answering my hail."

"No, cap'en, I'll niver desart the ould ship so long's ye're the
skipper," replied Tim. "It's goin' on foive years now since we've
sailed togither."

"Aye, close on that; and I hope we'll sail together for five years more,
man, for I don't wish a better bosun," responded the other pleasantly.
"But, who's that you've got in tow?"

"Misther Gray-ham, sorr," said Tim, shoving me more in front as I took
off my cap and bowed.

"Our new apprentice," explained Mr Mackay from the top of the poop
ladder as he caught sight of me. "He came aboard just before we left
the docks."

"Ah, I thought I didn't see him this morning," observed the captain.
And turning to me he said: "I've read a very good letter the owners got
about you, youngster, and if you only do your duty and obey orders I'll
try to make a sailor out of you, and we'll get on very well together;
but, mind you, if you try any tricks with me, you'll find me a
scorcher."

"Oh, I think he'll turn out all right," put in Mr Mackay as I blushed
and stood before the old fellow not knowing what to say, he looked so
stern at me when he spoke. "I've had a chat with him already, and I
think he's got the right stuff in him."

"Has he?" returned the captain. "That's got to be proved by and by.
All boys promise well at first, but generally end badly! However, I
only want him to understand me at the start, and know that when I say a
thing I mean a thing, and stick to it, too. Where are the other
'prentices?"

"I told them they might turn in, as there was nothing else for them to
do," replied the first mate, excusing them; "they were hard at it all
day getting the cargo in, and helping to warp out of dock."

"H'm," muttered the captain, as if he did not like the idea of anyone
having a rest off while he was about; and he compressed his lips while
his long nose seemed to grow longer. "H'm!"

"What do you think of doing sir?" inquired Mr Mackay in the middle of
this awkward pause, by way of changing the conversation. "The wind
looks as if it was going to hold from the east'ard."

"Aye, so I think, too," assented Captain Gillespie, look