a counting-house; and though I would have gone out as an
errand boy or page rather than be a burden to my sisters, I was sure
they would not permit this, and, besides, I felt that by my taking an
inferior position they would be lowered in the cold eyes of the world.
I had ardently wished to go to sea, and I thought that the captain who
had promised to take me as a midshipman would still receive me could I
reach Portsmouth. I did not calculate the expense of an outfit, nor did
I think of the allowance young gentlemen are expected to receive on
board a man-of-war.

I had wandered one day down to the docks to indulge myself in the sight
of the shipping, contemplating the possibility of obtaining a berth on
board one of the fine vessels I saw fitting out, and had been standing
for some time on the quay, when I observed a tall good-looking man, in
the dress of a merchantman's captain, step out of a boat which had
apparently come from a black rakish looking brigantine lying a short
distance out in the stream. I looked at him hard, for suddenly it
occurred to me that I remembered his features. Yes, I was certain. He
had been junior mate of the "Fair Rosomond," in which vessel we had come
home from Jamaica, and a great chum of mine. "Mr Willis," I said, "do
you remember me? I am Harry Bayford."

"Not by looks, but by your voice and eyes I do, my boy," he answered,
grasping my hand and shaking it heartily. "But what has happened? I
see you are in mourning."

I told him of my father's misfortunes and death; and as we walked along
frankly opened out on my views and plans. "You will have no chance in
the navy without means or friends, Harry," he answered. "There's no use
thinking about the matter; but if your mind is set on going to sea I'll
take you, and do my best to make a sailor of you. I have command of the
`Chieftain,' an African trader, the brigantine you see off in the stream
there. Though we do not profess to take midshipmen, I'll give you a
berth in my cabin, and I don't see that in the long run you will run
more risk than you would have to go through on board vessels trading to
other parts of the world."

"Thank you, Captain Willis, very much," I exclaimed, "I little expected
so soon to go to sea."

"Don't talk of thanks, Harry," he answered, "your poor father was very
kind to me, and I am glad to serve you. I had intended calling on him
before sailing; and if your sisters will allow me, I'll pay them