"No; I am going to play the man," cried Beck. "Isabel and I have been girl and boy together, and our affection has gradually strengthened till I know that she loves me as well as I love her." "Yes, perhaps so, my lad, but you heard her father's decision, and you can do no more." "Yes; I heard his decision," said the young sailor sturdily, "and I am not going to stand by and see her given up to that man! Why, Neil, it would kill her." "Look here, Tom, my good fellow, you must be sensible. It would be no kindness to my sister to let her feel that she had ruined your prospects." "It would not ruin my prospects," said Beck sturdily. "I'm a good sailor, and if I lose my ship I can always get employment in the merchant service." "Of course you could, but neither Isabel nor I are going to let you degrade yourself. My father is dangerously ill, and nothing such as you fear can advance a step for months to come, so join your ship like a man, and show that you have faith in the girl you believe to love you." "If I only could think--" began Beck. "Look here, Tom. I think you have some faith in me." "In you? My dear Neil," cried the young sailor warmly, "if ever fellow looked upon another man as a brother, I do upon you. Why, you know that." "Yes, I know that," said Neil, taking his arm and walking up and down the drive with him, "and I am going always to behave like a brother to you. Go and join your ship." "But Isabel?" "Leave me to act for you over that matter as a brother would. For both your sakes I will do what is best." "But Burwood?" "I don't like Burwood, and I do like you," said Neil, smiling. "Come, will not that satisfy you?" "Almost. You will fight for me, then, Neil?" "I don't think that there will be any occasion to fight for you. I think time is on your side. Lieutenant Beck's chance was very small with my father; but suppose one Captain Beck, a young officer who had distinguished himself by his seamanship in Her Majesty's service, came and renewed his proposal for my sister's hand, surely he would have a better chance of success." "Neil, old fellow," cried Beck, facing round and grasping the young surgeon's hand, "I don't wonder that you are getting to be a big fellow at your hospital." "Nonsense! Who says I am?" "Oh, I've heard. I wish I were as clever as you are. I came here feeling so bad that life didn't seem worth living, and in a few minutes you've shown things to me in such a different light that--" "You think it is worth living and sharing with someone else," cried Neil. "My dear old fellow," cried the sailor, with tears in his eyes. "And you will go off like a man and join your ship?" "Yes," cried Beck, grasping his friend's hand, and speaking firmly, "like a man." "And you go at once?" "Directly. Now take me in, and let me say good-bye to her." "No," said Neil firmly. "What? After my promise?"