'Intending, so soon as that object was accomplished, to launch forth and push my way upon the ocean, I embraced an opportunity afforded me, during a season of the year when our navigation is obstructed, to make a short voyage. Three several times I have been, and the last was of peculiar advantage to me; for, experiencing a hurricane just after we left Havana, the captain and chief mate were washed overboard by a heavy sea that swept our decks, and the second mate did not know enough to keep the reckoning; so at the request of all hands, I took charge of the brig, and, although we encountered two severe gales, brought her safely into port.' The Commodore rose, and walking across the room, turned, and fixed his keen eye full on Sam. 'You ought to have been handsomely rewarded for that, sir. Was no notice taken of it by the owners or the under writers?' 'Oh, yes, sir'--and Sam drew forth a fine gold watch--'this is their token, but I should have preferred the offer of the brig; she was a fine vessel, but I suppose they had friends who laid a stronger claim than I could.' 'Thus, you have no hesitation as to your ability to take sole command of a vessel to any quarter of the world?' 'I have not, sir.' 'And you are willing to do so?' 'I am very anxious to do so, sir, if I can find any owners willing to trust me.' The Commodore resumed his seat. 'Mr. Oakum, you must be well aware that our country is at present in a critical situation. War is inevitable. I think so--I am confident of it. The danger, then, in commercial navigation, will be of a very serious nature. I am, as you know, somewhat engaged in the trade to China; two of my vessels are now on the way there; one of these will not return for some time, and the other is to receive a cargo in the usual manner, and will probably be back a little short of one year; but I fear, that before six months come round, we shall be at war. I must make what preparation I can to secure my personal interest against an evil which I foresee. My design is to hasten the return of one of my ships with her cargo, by all possible means. You know that I have just completed a beautiful schooner; she will sail like a witch. I have resolved to send her express to China, and I now offer you the command of her.' Sam arose, and was about to thank the Commodore for the generous offer. 'Please be seated, Mr. Oakum, you have not heard the end of the story yet. I have business of importance to be attended to in China, and the captain of the ship I design to order back must remain there, and you, sir, will take his place. On your arrival out, you will find yourself master of as fine a ship as swims the ocean.' Sam could contain himself no longer; he arose from his seat. 'Commodore Trysail, I know not how to express the deep sense I feel of obligation to you--it is the happiest moment of my life, sir.'