“Of war. I speak plainly, do I not? Those who serve in a vessel that is constructed expressly for battle, follow the trade of war.” “Oh! yes; war is certainly our trade.” “And have you yet seen any of its horrors? Has this ship been in combat since your service?” “This ship!” “Surely this ship: Have you ever sailed in any other?” “Never.” “Then, it is of this ship that one must question you. Is prize-money plenty among your crew?” “Abundant; they never want.” “Then the vessel and Captain are both favourites. The sailor loves the ship and Commander that give him an active life.” “Ay, Madam; our lives are active here. And some there are among us, too, who love both ship and Commander.” “And have you mother, or friend, to profit by your earnings?” “Have I”— Struck with the tone of stupor with which the boy responded to her queries, the governess turned her head, to read, in a rapid glance, the language of his countenance. He stood in a sort of senseless amazement looking her full in the face, but with an eye far too vacant to prove that he was sensible of the image that filled it. “Tell me, Roderick,” she continued, careful not to alarm his jealousy by any sudden allusion to his manner; “tell me of this life of yours. You find it merry?” “I find it sad.” “’Tis strange. The young ship-boys are ever among the merriest of mortals. Perhaps your officer treats you with severity.” No answer was given. “I am then right: Your Captain is a tyrant?” “You are wrong: Never has he said harsh or unkind word to me.” “Ah! then he is gentle and kind. You are very happy, Roderick.” “I—happy, Madam!” “I speak plainly, and in English—happy.” “Oh! yes, we are all very happy here.” “It is well. A discontented ship is no paradise. And you are often in port, Roderick, to taste the sweets of the land?” “I care but little for the land, Madam, could I only have friends in the ship that love me.” “And have you not? Is not Mr Wilder your friend?” “I know but little of him; I never saw him before”— “When, Roderick?” “Before we met in Newport.” “In Newport?” “Surely you know we both came from Newport, last.” “Ah! I comprehend you. Then, your acquaintance with Mr Wilder commenced at Newport? It was while your ship was lying off the fort?” “It was. I carried him the order to take command of the Bristol trader. He had only joined us the night before.” “So lately! It was a young acquaintance indeed. But I suppose your Commander knew his merits?” “It is so hoped among the people. But”— “You were speaking, Roderick.” “None here dare question the Captain for his reasons. Even _I_ am obliged to be mute.”