"Ay, ay, sir, and as brave an officer as ever carried a sword." The midshipman stepped into the boat, the men dipped their oars, and the crowd watched the boat glide over the water until the _Essex_, a thirty-two gun frigate, was reached. "What did I tell you?" asked the old salt who was known as Sam Buller, "what did I tell you? Going to war with chits of boys, not old enough to be a cook's slavey, as officers." "Say what you like, that boy may not be as strong, but he is as brave as any man in the service." "Perhaps you know him, sir?" "I do. That boy's name is David Glasgow Farragut, and he has been on the _Essex_ for four years. He is the adopted son of Captain Porter, and whoever says one word against that young midshipman will have to answer to me." "And who may you be, my hearty?" asked Sam Buller "I am Captain Stewart of the United States navy; who are you?" Captain Stewart did not wait for a reply, but entered the boat which awaited him and was soon rowed across to his ship. Every one knew Charles Stewart's character for bravery, for in the year 1800, when in command of the schooner _Experiment_, he captured the French privateers _Deux Amis_ and the _Diana_. In 1804 he commanded the _Siren_, and went with the American squadron against Tripoli, and achieved several victories. "I only wish I could get on board the _Essex_. I'd be pleased to call Farragut my superior," said a young man, whose build and manner were those of an educated sailor. "Why don't you?" asked one of the crowd. "I have tried, but they told me they were full." "Do you want to fight?" The inquirer was one whose appearance invited confidence. He was well dressed, and had a good honest face. "Fight? Yes, sir; if it be the British I fight against." "Why are you anxious to fight the British?" "My grandfather, sir, was with Washington, and was killed fighting for his country; my father was wounded, and my elder brother killed. I have been told of those days, and I have a debt to pay." "But you do not remember that time." "No, sir. I am only nineteen years old, and the British evacuated New York twelve years before I was born." "Then it is only as you have been educated? You blush! You need not make me your confidant unless you like----" "I will tell you, sir, for I know you can feel for me." The two young men had separated from the crowd, and had walked along the water's edge until they came to where the Barge Office now stands. They were alone, or nearly so, as the crowds were watching the war vessels. "I had a dear friend who was taken from his home and impressed." "Ah! never mind the story now. What say you to shipping with me?" "I--I would like to be on a man-of-war." "I see; and you think I cannot ship you on a war vessel. But if it is fighting you want, I can promise you as much as you desire. If it is prize money you seek, my boy, don't go on a warship, but ship with me." "And, sir, what may be your ship's name?"