ning things from the beginning; and if you keep your eyes open
you will learn as much as to the way things should be done as you would
do in six months afloat. Mr. Timmins, this is Jack Robson, who sails
with us as a midshipman. He is the lad I told you of who aided in saving
all our lives on board the _Petrel_. If it had not been for him and the
two men with him the house of Godstone & Son would have lost its head.
As the owner as well as myself owe so much to him, I am sure you will do
all you can to help him to learn his work. He is not like a new hand
altogether, having already had two years' experience in a fore-and-aft
craft. Of course the work is very different here; still it is a capital
apprenticeship, and men who can manage a bawley in such a sea as was on
when the _Petrel_ was wrecked are fine sailors, and would soon be at
home on any craft that ever floated."

"I will do the best I can for him, Captain Murchison, and will make a
sailor out of him--never fear. There is nothing for you to do on board
yet, my boy, except to keep your eyes open. Watch all that is going on.
This is a rigger's job; but it is well to learn how everything is done,
because you may be called upon to do it any moment. Do not be afraid of
asking me questions about anything you do not understand, and do not
mind if I answer you sharp if I happen to be busy when you ask me--that
is my way; and I daresay the riggers, when they see that you really want
to learn, will be willing enough to give you a hint or two."

"I am going ashore with him now for a couple of hours, Mr. Timmins.
After that he will be at your disposal."

Jack followed the captain across the gangway on to the wharf. "I am
going with you to order your outfit," the captain said. "I had intended
to have done it on my own account, but Mr. Godstone would not hear of
it; so I must obey orders. Your own things will do well enough until we
get the riggers out of the ship and the painting done. Till then Mr.
Timmins will be the only officer on board; the others will not join till
she begins to take in her cargo. The second and third mates of the
Petrel will sail with me again, and so will all the men who were
rescued. Naturally they like a run ashore as long as they can; and there
is nothing for them to do till the ship is out of the painter's hands."

Captain Murchison took Jack to an outfitter's in Fenchurch Street, and
ordered him a complete midshipman's outfit. Then Jack went b