"Poor little chap! it's a horphin arter all," said one of the tars, in a kind tone. "No father either, you say," continued the mate, who appeared to me an unfeeling brute; "then go to your grandmother, or your uncle, or your aunt, if you've got one; or go anywhere you like, but get about your business from here, or I'll trice you up, and give you a round dozen on the buttocks; be off now, I say!" The brute seemed fully in earnest; and, deeply mortified by the threat, I turned away in obedience to the command. I had reached the gangway, and was about to step upon the plank, when I observed a man coming in the opposite direction--from the shore. He was dressed in the same style as a merchant or other citizen might have been, with a black frock-coat and beaver hat; but there was something in his look that told me he belonged to the sea. The complexion of his face was of that weather bronze, and there was an expression in the eyes which I knew to be characteristic of men who lead the life of the mariner. Moreover, his trousers were of blue pilot-cloth, and that gave him a sea-faring look. It struck me at the moment that he was the captain of the ship. I was not long in doubt. On reaching the gangway, the stranger stepped aboard with an air that betokened him the master; and I heard him issue some orders in a tone that bespoke his full command of everybody within hearing. He did not stop after going aboard, but walked on towards the quarter-deck of the vessel. It occurred to me that I might still have some chance by addressing myself directly to him; and, without hesitation, I turned back and followed him. In spite of some remonstrance from the mate and one or two of the men, I kept on till I had overtaken the captain just as he was about to dive down into his cabin. I arrested his attention by plucking the skirt of his coat. He turned round in some surprise, and inquired what I wanted with him. In as few words as I could manage it, I made known my wishes. The only reply he made me was a laugh; and then turning round, he cried out to one of the men-- "Here, Waters! Hoist this urchin upon your shoulders, and set him ashore. Ha! ha! ha!" Without saying another word, he stepped down the companion ladder, and disappeared out of my sight. In the midst of my chagrin, I felt myself lifted in the strong arms of "Waters," who, after carrying me across the staging-plank, and some yards over the wharf, deposited me upon the pavement, and thus addressed me:-- "Now, my little sprat! take Jack Waters's advice, and keep out o' salt-water as long as you can, else the sharks may get hold on you." And then, after a pause, during which he seemed to reflect about something, he inquired-- "And you're a horphin, are ye, my little 'un? Got neyther father nor mother?" "Neither," I replied.