ides scattering the tiles of the houses right and left, and toppling
down numbers of chimney-pots. There were half a dozen people killed, I
heard, that night, and ever so many hurt."

Harry smiled.

"It is lucky that you think so, and I am quite ready to agree that a
sailor's life is one of the best to choose, seeing that we shall have to
spend the best part of ours afloat," he answered. "But what I hold is,
that we shouldn't think meanly of those who have to live always on
shore."

"I don't know as to that, Harry," said Billy quickly. "We shouldn't
think ill of them, I'll allow; but who can help pitying them? That's
all I say."

The conversation of the two boys was interrupted by an order which True
Blue received to go aloft and take a lookout round the horizon. This
was a post of honour to which he had been especially appointed, on
account of the sharpness of his vision, and the accuracy with which he
noted and could describe the various sail which might be in sight. Paul
Pringle watched him with pride. Up--up--up he went. The topmast
shrouds were reached--topgallant masthead; the royal mast was swarmed
up, and then he stood on the main truck, holding on by the staff of the
vane, no longer the little child, the pet of the ship's company, but a
thorough, fearless young seaman--not the less, however, the darling of
the crew.

CHAPTER TEN.

Day had just broken on the world of waters. It was at that time of the
year when there is but little night. The water was smooth, the air soft
and balmy. Gradually the grey dawn warmed up as the approaching sun
cast some ruddy streaks in the eastern sky. It was True Blue's watch on
deck, and he was at his post on the truck at the main-topgallant-mast.

By slow degrees the rich glow increased. He turned his head round to
every point of the compass. The Start Point was just in sight, bearing
about east by north, distant five or six leagues. When his eye came to
the south-east, it rested there steadily for a moment, and then, putting
his hand to his mouth, he shouted, "Sail ho!" with a prolonged cadence,
pointing in the direction where he saw her. The officer of the watch
hailed to know what she was. "A full-rigged ship, sir," was his
unhesitating reply, although even from where he stood her
topgallant-sails alone could be seen, and to a landsman's eye nothing
distinguishable would have been visible.

The Captain soon came on deck. True Blue kept his glanc