Partings with near friends are not pleasant scenes, so I shall pass them over. It was a lovely afternoon, one of summer's brightest days; a lively breeze played over the water, and scarcely bending to its power, a small trim vessel, rigged in pilot-boat fashion, was gliding gracefully along, not far from the shore. Every sail was set, and filled just enough to display their graceful cut, the little black hull beneath making them look more white and showy by the contrast. A row-boat, well manned, was by the shore, around which were gathered groups of lookers-on, or friends saying some last words to the youths who held the oars, and whose half serious smiles told plainly that their hearts were not so light as they would seem. Just beyond the shore, upon the sloping green, a little party stands, eyeing with apparent interest the motions of the schooner and the preparations for departure, which are plainly visible in the gathering crowd that was surrounding the little boat at the water's edge. 'Oh, Susan, what a fine sight that vessel makes; but who would think of venturing to sea in such a craft?' 'Why not, Julia?' 'Oh, she is so small, I should think the waves would ingulf her--but here comes her Captain, I suppose. Your father keeps close to him; and the old Commodore, how proud he seems.' 'Yes, he does, I assure you,' said Mrs. Morris; 'he is proud of his vessel and her Captain too.' The three gentlemen now approached the ladies, raising their hats, and again replacing them, with the exception of the younger one, who, having removed his light chapeau, kept it in his hand. There was a seriousness in his air as he immediately stepped up to Mrs. Morris, and received her offered hand. 'May God bless you, my dear fellow! Come, a mother's kiss.' Sam's heart was brave, but it was very tender. He took the liberty allowed him, but uttered not a word, while Mrs. Morris took no pains to restrain the flowing tears. He bowed to Miss Walton, and then the hand of Susan is within his own. He bowed respectfully, raised her hand, and touched it to his lips. He saw a tear start as he cast one parting glance upon her sweet face, and, without a word on either side, they separated. The Commodore and Major Morris, each taking an arm, walked with him to the little boat. 'God bless you!' and the Major clasped his hand in both of his. 'God bless you, Captain Oakum--a fine voyage to you!' and the Commodore gave him a sailor's squeeze. A great many hands were stretched out, and Sam was busy enough for a little while. He was a great favorite, and all were sad at parting with him. Just as he was about to step into the boat, two men were seen hastening along shore. 'There are the two men, Captain, that have shipped to-day.' 'Have you your papers with you?' said Captain Oakum, addressing the men who had just reached them. 'Yes, sir--here they are;' handing them at the same time to the Captain. 'Aboard with you, then.'