Naturally of a noble, generous disposition, he
had gained the respect of all who knew him. Pleasant and gentlemanly in
his manners, he was no less firm in his duties on shipboard, and his
stern word of command was received by his men with the same hearty
"aye, aye," as when he cracked a joke with them over the club-room fire.
Harry had kept his promise in regard to his wish to go with his father;
and when he looked into his mother's face, and saw how mournful was her
smile, he felt that it would indeed be cruel to think of leaving her.
But when he heard the sailors saying, as he clambered up the rigging,
that it was a pity such a sprightly little fellow could not go along
with them, his desire to ship for the voyage knew no bounds, and seeking
his father, in the cabin, he had a long interview with him, gaining the
promise that when he should return he would secure for him a good lay,
and that he might then commence the nautical career, which the captain
plainly saw his inclinations had marked out.
The day had arrived when the ship would sail. Every thing had been made
ready for a long voyage, should the captain not meet with his usual good
fortune, which was considered unnecessary by her owners, so sanguine
were they of her success; such implicit faith did they place in the
abilities of her captain, that in securing his services, they looked
upon the voyage as told.
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