"I don't think he'll trouble your son in that way. He may be a Shylock, but he is not one of those money scriveners who demand your money or your flesh. At least, I should say not. I only know the man to nod to. Of what use would a pound of your son's flesh be to him? I believe, sir, that Mr Lawrence is not so immoderate in his love of the glass but that he might be entrusted with the care of a ship?" "No, sir; 'tis gambling not drinking that is his weakness. But he has drunk and still drinks more than he should. Yet I have little doubt if he could find himself in a situation of trust, knowing now the hardships and difficulties of life, and the almost insuperable obstacles to a man's advancement when by his own folly he has ruined his professional career, that he would keep a stern watch over his appetite for drink. He has considerable powers of mind, an uncommon degree of spirit and resolution when he chooses to exert those qualities; and I say, with the assurance of his profound sensibility to his present melancholy condition, that he might be safely trusted to discharge any duties he may have the good luck to be called upon to execute." "I think I told you, Sir William," said Captain Acton, after a short interval passed in reflection, "that the _Minorca_ is in want of a captain." "Yes, I remember. The master died in the homeward passage, and the ship was brought to port by the mate, to whom I suppose you intend to give the command." "Well, he is a respectable though a very illiterate man, and I had half made up my mind to offer him the berth. But I am affected by your trouble. I should be glad to be of service to your son. Whilst we have talked I have been thinking, and if he is prepared to accept the position I am quite willing that he should take the _Minorca_ out and home from the West Indies this voyage on the terms I am in the habit of giving--twelve pounds a month and a commission on the earnings of the voyage." The Admiral stopped short and looked at his companion with a face that was warm, and with eyes that were dim with an emotion of gratitude that was almost the conqueror of his manhood. He extended his arm in silence, and the two officers clasped hands. "Acton, you are good--this is indeed kind of you," said the Admiral after a moment or two of silence. "It would be a great weight lifted from my spirits to know that my son is shoved clear of the mischief of the idleness of this place, and that he is once more honourably employed. For, sir," said the old gentleman in a hearty, almost rapturous way, "to be in charge of such a ship as the _Minorca_ is to hold a command as honourable, if not as exalted, as any afloat. I do thank you, sir. He will be most deeply obliged to you." The two gentlemen released hands and continued their walk. "Of course," said Captain Acton, "he is well up in navigation?" "You will find him fully qualified in that, and in all else. A smarter seaman never trod shipboard."