The Project Gutenberg EBook of In Greek Waters, by G. A. Henty This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: In Greek Waters A Story of The Grecian War of Independence Author: G. A. Henty Illustrator: W. S. Stacey Release Date: March 8, 2013 [EBook #42276] Language: English Character set encoding: UTF-8 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN GREEK WATERS *** Produced by David Edwards, Matthew Wheaton and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive) IN GREEK WATERS G·A·HENTY CAPTURED BY ALBANIAN BRIGANDS IN GREEK WATERS A STORY OF THE GRECIAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE (1821-1827) BY G. A. HENTY Author of “Beric the Briton,” “Condemned as a Nihilist,” etc. WITH TWELVE ILLUSTRATIONS BY W. S. STACEY, AND A MAP OF THE GRECIAN ARCHIPELAGO NEW YORK CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS 1902 COPYRIGHT, 1892, BY CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS. THE CAXTON PRESS NEW YORK. PREFACE MY DEAR LADS, THE STRUGGLE KNOWN AS THE GREEK WAR OF INDEPENDENCE LASTED FOR SIX YEARS (1821-27), AND HAD I ATTEMPTED TO GIVE EVEN AN OUTLINE OF THE EVENTS THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A HISTORY AND NOT A STORY. MOREOVER, SIX YEARS IS ALTOGETHER BEYOND THE LENGTH OF TIME THAT CAN B INCLUDED IN A BOOK FOR BOYS. FOR THESE REASONS I HAVE CONFINED THE STORY TO THE PRINCIPAL INCIDENTS OF THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF THE WAR; THOSE OF MY READERS WHO MAY WISH TO LEARN THE WHOLE HISTORY OF THE STRUGGLE I REFER TO FINLAY’S WELL-KNOWN History of Greece, WHICH I have followed closely in my narration. AS A RULE IN THE STORIES OF WARS, ESPECIALLY OF WARS WAGED FOR NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE, THE DARK SIDE OF THE STRUGGLE IS BRIGHTENED BY EXAMPLES OF PATRIOTISM AND DEVOTION, OF HEROIC BRAVERY, OF HUMANITY TO THE WOUNDED, OF DISINTERESTEDNESS AND SELF-SACRIFICE. THE WAR OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE IS AN EXCEPTION. THE STORY IS A DARK ONE WITH SCARCELY A GLEAM OF LIGHT. NEVER DURING MODERN TIMES HAS A STRUGGLE BEEN DISGRACED BY SUCH DEEDS OF CRUELTY AND MASSACRE AS THOSE WHICH PREVAILED ON BOTH SIDES. SUCH BEING THE CASE, I HAVE DEVOTED less space than usual to the historical portion of my tale, and this plays but a subordinate part in the adventures of the Misericordia and her crew. Yours sincerely, G. A. HENTY. CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. A Greek Student 11 II. A Yacht 29 III. The Wreck 47 IV. A Startling Proposal 66 V. Fitting Out 85 VI. Under Weigh 107 VII. A Change of Name 127 VIII. A Besieged Village 145 IX. Rescued 162 X. A Daring Exploit 180 XI. In the Hands of the Turks 197 XII. Planning a Rescue 213 XIII. The Pasha of Adalia 225 XIV. Chios 243 XV. A White Squall 259 XVI. Fire-Ships 277 XVII. Rescuing the Garrison of Athens 295 XVIII. A Turkish Defeat 312 XIX. Prisoners 330 XX. At Constantinople 348 XXI. The “Misericordia” Again 365 XXII. All Ends Well 385 ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE Captured by Albanian Brigands Frontispiece “Well, youngster, what is it?” 20 Horace suggests a Rescue 52 Their First Sight of the Schooner 82 A Discussion about Clothes 110 “Give them a round,” said Captain Martyn 148 The Captain is Wounded 177 The Greek Captives are brought on Deck 198 The Capture of the Pasha 228 Repelling the Turkish Boarders 279 The Governor comes on Board 306 The Doctor tells the Story 379 ___________ Map of Grecian Archipelago 10 IN GREEK WATERS CHAPTER I A GREEK STUDENT HE PEOPLE OF THE LITTLE FISHING VILLAGE OF SEAPORT WERE AGREED ON ONE SUBJECT, HOWEVER MUCH THEY MIGHT DIFFER ON OTHERS, NAMELY, THAT MR. BEVERIDGE WAS “A WONDERFUL LEARNED MAN.” IN THIS RESPECT THEY WERE PROUD OF HIM: LEARNED MEN CAME TO VISIT HIM, AND HIS NAME WAS WIDELY KNOWN AS THE AUTHOR OF VARIOUS TREATISES AND BOOKS WHICH WERE PRECIOUS TO DEEP SCHOLARS, AND WERE HELD IN HIGH RESPECT AT THE UNIVERSITIES. MOST OF THE VILLAGERS WERE, HOWEVER, OF OPINION THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER FOR SEAPORT HAD MR. BEVERIDGE BEEN A TRIFLE LESS LEARNED AND A GOOD DEAL MORE PRACTICAL. NATURALLY HE WOULD HAVE BEEN SPOKEN OF AS THE SQUIRE, FOR HE WAS THE OWNER OF THE WHOLE PARISH, AND HIS HOUSE WAS ONE OF THE FINEST IN THE COUNTY, WHICH SOME OF HIS ANCESTORS HAD REPRESENTED IN PARLIAMENT; BUT FOR ALL THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN RIDICULO TO CALL A MAN SQUIRE WHO HAD NEVER BEEN SEEN ON HORSEBACK, AND WHO, AS WAS POPULARLY BELIEVED, COULD NOT DISTINGUISH A FIELD OF potatoes from one of turnips. IT WAS VERY SELDOM THAT MR. BEVERIDGE VENTURED OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARY-WALL OF HIS GROUNDS, EXCEPT, INDEED, WHEN HE POSTED UP TO LONDON TO INVESTIGATE SOME RARE MANUSCRIPT, OR TO PORE OVER ANCIENT BOOKS IN THE READING-ROOM OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM. HE WAS NEVER SEEN AT THE MEETINGS OF MAGISTRATES, OR AT SOCIAL GATHERINGS OF ANY KIND, AND WHEN HIS NAME WAS MENTIONED AT THESE, MANY SHRUGGED THEIR SHOULDERS AND SAID WHAT A PITY IT WAS THAT ONE OF THE FINEST PROPERTIES IN THE COUNTY SHOULD BE IN THE HANDS OF A MAN WHO WAS, TO say the least of it, a little cracked. MR. BEVERIDGE’S FATHER, WHEN ON A TOUR IN THE EAST AS A YOUNG MAN, HAD FALLEN IN LOVE WITH AND, TO THE INTENSE INDIGNATION OF HIS FAMIL MARRIED A GREEK LADY. UPON COMING INTO POSSESSION OF THE PROPERTY, TWO YEARS LATER, JOHN BEVERIDGE SETTLED DOWN WITH HIS BEAUTIFUL wife at the Hall, and lived in perfect happiness with her until her death. SHE HAD HAD BUT ONE CHILD, A BOY, THE PRESENT OWNER OF THE HALL, WHO WAS TWELVE YEARS OLD WHEN SHE DIED. HAPPY AS SHE WAS WITH HER HUSBAND, MRS. BEVERIDGE HAD NEVER CEASED TO REGRET THE SUNNY SKIES OF HER NATIVE LAND. SHE SELDOM SPOKE OF IT TO HER HUSBAND, WHO HUNTED AND SHOT, WAS A REGULAR ATTENDANT AT THE BOARD OF MAGISTRATES, AND ATTENDED PERSONALLY TO THE MANAGEMENT OF HIS ESTATE. HE W A MAN OF LITTLE SENTIMENT, AND HAD BUT A POOR OPINION OF THE GREEKS IN GENERAL. BUT TO HERBERT SHE OFTEN TALKED OF THE DAYS OF H CHILDHOOD, AND IMBUED HIM WITH HER OWN PASSIONATE LOVE OF HER NATIVE COUNTRY. THIS LED HIM AT SCHOOL TO DEVOTE HIMSELF TO THE STUDY OF GREEK WITH SUCH ENERGY AND ARDOUR THAT HE CAME TO BE CONSIDERED AS A PRODIGY, AND GOING UP TO OXFORD HE NEGLECTED ALL OTHER BRANCHES OF STUDY, MIXED BUT LITTLE WITH OTHER UNDERGRADUATES, MADE NO FRIENDS, BUT LIVED THE LIFE OF A RECLUSE, AND WAS REWARDED BY being the only first-class man of his year, the examiners declaring that no such papers had ever before been sent in. UNFORTUNATELY FOR HERBERT HIS FATHER DIED A FEW MONTHS BEFORE HE TOOK HIS DEGREE. HE HAD NEITHER UNDERSTOOD NOR APPRECIATED HIS SON’S DEVOTION TO STUDY, AND WHEN OTHERS CONGRATULATED HIM UPON THE REPUTATION HE WAS ALREADY GAINING AT THE UNIVERSITY, HE USED TO SHRUG H SHOULDERS AND SAY, “WHAT IS THE GOOD OF IT? HE HAS NOT GOT TO WORK FOR HIS LIVING. I WOULD RATHER SEE HIM BACK A HORSE OVER A FIVE- BARRED GATE THAN WRITE GREEK LIKE HOMER.” HE HAD FREQUENTLY DECLARED THAT DIRECTLY HERBERT TOOK HIS DEGREE HE WOULD GO WITH HIM FI FOR A FEW MONTHS UP TO LONDON, AND THEY WOULD THEN TRAVEL TOGETHER FOR A YEAR OR TWO SO AS TO MAKE HIM, AS HE SAID, A BIT LIKE OTHER people. LEFT TO HIS OWN DEVICES AT THE DEATH OF HIS FATHER HERBERT BEVERIDGE DID NOT EVEN GO HOME AFTER TAKING HIS DEGREE, BUT, WRITING TO TH STEWARD TO SHUT UP THE HOUSE, STARTED A WEEK LATER FOR GREECE, WHERE HE REMAINED FOR THREE YEARS, BY THE END OF WHICH TIME HE WAS AS PERFECTLY ACQUAINTED WITH MODERN AS WITH ANCIENT GREEK. THEN HE RETURNED HOME, BRINGING WITH HIM TWO GREEK ATTENDANTS, TURNED TH DRAWING-ROOM INTO A LIBRARY, AND DEVOTED HIMSELF TO HIS FAVOURITE STUDY. THREE YEARS LATER HE MARRIED, OR RATHER HIS AUNT, MRS. FORDYC married him. That lady, who was the wife of a neighbouring squire, came over and, as she said, took him in hand. “This cannot go on, Herbert,” she said; “it is plainly your duty to marry.” “I have never thought of marrying, aunt.” “I DARESAY NOT, HERBERT, BUT THAT IS NO REASON WHY YOU SHOULDN’T MARRY. YOU DON’T INTEND, I SUPPOSE, THAT THIS PLACE, AFTER BEING IN TH hands of our family for hundreds of years, is to be sold to strangers at your death. It is clearly your duty to marry and have children.” “But I don’t know anyone to marry.” “I WILL FIND YOU A WIFE, HERBERT. I KNOW HALF A DOZEN NICE GIRLS, ANY ONE OF WHOM WOULD SUIT YOU. YOU WANT A THOROUGHLY GOOD, SENSIBLE wife, and then, perhaps, there would be some chance of your becoming like other people.” “I don’t want to become like other people, I only want to be let alone.” “WELL, YOU SEE THAT IS OUT OF THE QUESTION, HERBERT. YOU SHIRK ALL YOUR DUTIES AS A LARGE LAND-OWNER; BUT THIS DUTY, AT LEAST, YOU CAN SHIRK. LET ME SEE, TO-DAY IS MONDAY; ON WEDNESDAY OUR GIG SHALL BE OVER HERE AT HALF-PAST TWELVE, AND YOU SHALL COME OVER AND LUNCH WITH ME. I WILL HAVE MISS HENDON THERE; SHE IS IN ALL RESPECTS SUITABLE FOR YOU. SHE IS FAIRLY PRETTY, AND VERY BRIGHT AND DOMESTICATED WITH PLENTY OF COMMON SENSE. SHE WON’T HAVE ANY MONEY; FOR ALTHOUGH HER FATHER’S ESTATE IS A NICE ONE, SHE HAS FOUR OR FIVE BROTHERS, AND I DON’T SUPPOSE MR. HENDON LAYS BY A PENNY OF HIS INCOME. HOWEVER, THAT MATTERS VERY LITTLE. NOW YOU MUST ROUSE YOURSELF FOR A BIT. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT BUSINESS, YOU KNOW, AND HAS TO BE DONE. AFTER IT IS OVER YOU WILL FIND IT A GREAT COMFORT, AND YOUR WIFE WILL TAK all sorts of little worries off your hand. Of course if you don’t like Mary Hendon when you see her, I will find somebody else.” HERBERT BEVERIDGE RESIGNED HIMSELF QUIETLY, AND BECAME ALMOST PASSIVE IN THIS MATTER OF HIS OWN MARRIAGE. HE LIKED MARY HENDON WHEN HE HAD GOT OVER THE SHYNESS AND DISCOMFORT OF THE FIRST VISIT, AND THREE MONTHS LATER THEY WERE MARRIED. HE THEN WENT BACK TO HI LIBRARY AGAIN, AND HIS WIFE TOOK THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ESTATE AND HOUSE INTO HER CAPABLE HANDS. DURING HER LIFETIME HERBERT BEVERIDGE EMERGED TO A CERTAIN EXTENT FROM HIS SHELL. HE BECAME REALLY FOND OF HER, AND OCCASIONALLY ACCOMPANIED HER ON HER DRIVES, WENT sometimes into society, and was generally considered to be improving fast. TEN YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE SHE DIED, AND HER HUSBAND FELL BACK INTO HIS OLD WAYS. HIS LIFE, HOWEVER, WAS NO LONGER QUITE SOLITARY, FOR SHE HAD LEFT HIM A BOY EIGHT YEARS OF AGE. HE HAD BEEN CHRISTENED HORACE, WHICH WAS A SORT OF COMPROMISE. MR. BEVERIDGE HAD WISHED THAT HE SHOULD HAVE THE NAME OF SOME GREEK WORTHY—HIS FAVOURITES BEING EITHER THEMISTOCLES OR ARISTIDES. HIS MOTHER HAD CALLED IN MRS. FORDYCE TO HER ASSISTANCE, AND THE TWO LADIES TOGETHER HAD SUCCEEDED IN CARRYING THEIR POINT. MRS. FORDYCE HAD URGED THAT IT would be a misfortune for the boy to bear either of these names. “HE WILL HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL, HERBERT, OF COURSE, AND THE BOYS WOULD MAKE HIS LIFE A BURDEN TO HIM IF HE HAD EITHER OF THE NAMES YOU MENTION. I KNOW WHAT BOYS ARE; WE HAVE PLENTY OF THEM IN OUR FAMILY. IF HE WERE ARISTIDES HE WOULD GET THE NICKNAME OF TIDY, WHICH WOULD BE HIDEOUS. THE OTHER NAME IS WORSE STILL; THEY WOULD PROBABLY SHORTEN IT INTO COCKLES, AND I AM SURE YOU WOULD NOT WANT THE boy to be spoken of as Cockles Beveridge.” “I hate common names,” Mr. Beveridge said, “such as Jack, Bob, and Bill.” “WELL, I THINK THEY ARE QUITE GOOD ENOUGH FOR ORDINARY LIFE, HERBERT, BUT IF YOU MUST HAVE SOMETHING CLASSICAL WHY NOT TAKE THE NAME HORACE? ONE OF MARY’S BROTHERS IS HORACE, YOU KNOW, AND HE WOULD NO DOUBT TAKE IT AS A COMPLIMENT IF YOU GAVE THE BOY THAT name.” AND SO IT WAS FIXED FOR HORACE. AS SOON AS THE CHILD WAS OLD ENOUGH TO GO OUT WITHOUT A NURSE, MR. BEVERIDGE APPOINTED ONE OF HIS GREEK SERVANTS TO ACCOMPANY HIM, IN ORDER THAT THE CHILD SHOULD PICK UP A KNOWLEDGE OF GREEK; WHILE HE HIMSELF INTERESTED HIMSELF SO FAR IN HIM AS TO SET ASIDE HIS BOOKS AND HAVE HIM INTO THE LIBRARY FOR AN HOUR A DAY, WHEN HE ALWAYS TALKED TO HIM IN GREEK. THUS AT HIS MOTHER’S DEATH THE BOY WAS ABLE TO TALK THE LANGUAGE AS FLUENTLY AS ENGLISH. IN OTHER RESPECTS HE SHOWED NO SIGNS WHATEVER OF TAKING AFTER HIS FATHER’S TASTES. HE WAS A STURDY BOY, AND EVINCED EVEN GREATER ANTIPATHY THAN USUAL TO LEARNING THE ALPHABET, AND WAS NEVER S HAPPY AS WHEN HE COULD PERSUADE MARCO TO TAKE HIM DOWN TO THE BEACH TO PLAY WITH THE FISHER CHILDREN. AT HIS MOTHER’S DEATH HE WAS CARRIED OFF BY MRS. FORDYCE, AND SPENT THE NEXT SIX MONTHS WITH HER AND IN THE HOUSES OF HIS MOTHER’S BROTHERS, WHERE THERE WERE CHILDREN ABOUT HIS OWN AGE. AT THE END OF THAT TIME A SORT OF FAMILY COUNCIL WAS HELD, AND MRS. FORDYCE WENT OVER TO SEAPORT TO SEE her nephew. “What were you thinking about doing with the boy, Herbert?” “The boy?” he asked vaguely, being engaged on a paper throwing new light on the Greek particles when she entered. “Naturally, Herbert, the boy, your boy; it is high time he went to school.” “I was thinking the other day about getting a tutor for him.” “GETTING FIDDLESTICKS!” MRS. FORDYCE SAID SHARPLY; “THE BOY WANTS COMPANIONSHIP. WHAT DO YOU SUPPOSE HE WOULD BECOME, MOPING ABOUT THIS BIG HOUSE ALONE? HE WANTS TO PLAY, IF HE IS EVER TO GROW UP AN ACTIVE HEALTHY MAN. NO HARM HAS BEEN DONE YET, FOR DEAR MARY KEPT THE HOUSE BRIGHT, AND HAD THE SENSE TO LET HIM PASS MOST OF HIS TIME IN THE OPEN AIR, AND NOT TO WANT HIM ALWAYS AT HER APRON-STRING. IF WHEN HE GETS TO THE AGE OF TWENTY HE DEVELOPS A TASTE FOR GREEK—WHICH HEAVEN FORBID!—OR FOR CHINESE, OR FOR ANY OTHER HEATHEN AND OUT-OF-THE-WAY STUDY, IT WILL BE QUITE TIME ENOUGH FOR HIM TO TAKE IT UP. THE BEVERIDGES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MEN OF ACTION. IT IS ALL VERY WELL, HERBERT, TO HAVE ONE GREAT SCHOLAR IN THE FAMILY; WE ALL ADMIT THAT IT IS A GREAT CREDIT TO US; BUT TWO OF WOULD RUIN IT. HAPPILY I BELIEVE THERE IS NO RECORD OF A GREAT SCHOLAR PRODUCING AN EQUALLY GREAT SON. AT ANY RATE I DO HOPE THE BOY WIL have a fair chance of growing into an active energetic man, and taking his place in the county.” “I HAVE NO WISH IT SHOULD BE OTHERWISE, AUNT,” HERBERT BEVERIDGE SAID. “I QUITE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IN SOME RESPECTS IT WOULD BE BETTER IF I HAD NOT DEVOTED MYSELF SO ENTIRELY TO STUDY, THOUGH MY WORK HAS NOT BEEN WITHOUT FRUIT, I HOPE, FOR IT IS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT MY BOOK ON THE USE OF THE DIGAMMA THREW AN ENTIRELY NEW LIGHT UPON THE SUBJECT. STILL I CANNOT EXPECT, NOR DO I WISH, THAT HORACE SHOULD FOLL IN MY FOOTSTEPS. INDEED, I TRUST, THAT WHEN I HAVE FINISHED MY WORK, THERE WILL BE LITTLE FOR A FRESH LABOURER TO GLEAN IN THAT DIRECTION any rate he is far too young to develop a bent in any direction whatever, and I think therefore that your proposal is a good one.” “THEN IN THAT CASE, HERBERT, I THINK YOU CANNOT DO BETTER THAN SEND HIM WITH HORACE HENDON’S TWO BOYS TO SCHOOL. ONE IS ABOUT HIS own age and one is a little older. The elder boy has been there a year, and his father is well satisfied with the school.” “Very well, aunt. If you will ask Horace to make arrangements for the boy to go with his sons I am quite content it should be so.” SO HORACE BEVERIDGE WENT, A WEEK LATER, BY COACH WITH HIS COUSINS TO A SCHOOL AT EXETER, SOME FORTY MILES FROM SEAPORT, AND THERE REMAINED UNTIL HE WAS FOURTEEN. HE PASSED HIS HOLIDAYS AT HOME, NEVER SEEING HIS FATHER UNTIL DINNERTIME, AFTER WHICH HE SPENT TWO HOURS WITH HIM, A PERIOD OF THE DAY TO WHICH THE BOY ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD WITH SOME DREAD. SOMETIMES HIS FATHER WOULD CHAT CHEERFULLY TO HIM, ALWAYS IN MODERN GREEK; AT OTHERS HE WOULD SIT SILENT AND ABSTRACTED, WAKING UP OCCASIONALLY AND MAKING SOME ABRUPT REMARK TO THE BOY, AND THEN AGAIN LAPSING INTO SILENCE. WHEN ABOUT THE HOUSE AND GROUNDS MARCO WAS HIS CONSTANT COMPANION. THE GREEK, WHO WAS A MERE LAD WHEN HE HAD COME TO ENGLAND, WAS FOND OF HORACE, AND HAVING BEEN A FISHERMAN AS A BOY, HE ENJOYED ALMOST AS MUCH as his charge did the boating and fishing expeditions upon which he accompanied him. AT THIS TIME HORACE HAD A STRONG DESIRE TO GO TO SEA, BUT EVEN HIS AUNT FORDYCE, WHEN HE BROACHED THE SUBJECT TO HER, WOULD GIVE HIM no hope or encouragement. “IF IT HAD BEEN TEN YEARS AGO, HORACE, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN ANOTHER MATTER. THE SEA WAS A STIRRING LIFE, THEN; AND EVEN HAD YOU ONLY GONE INTO THE NAVY FOR A FEW YEARS YOU WOULD HAVE SEEN LOTS OF SERVICE, AND MIGHT HAVE DISTINGUISHED YOURSELF. AS TO STAYING IN IT, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN RIDICULOUS FOR YOU AS AN ONLY SON. BUT NOW NOTHING COULD BE MORE WRETCHED THAN THE POSITION OF A NAVAL OFFICER. ALL THE WORL IS AT PEACE, AND THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE THE SLIGHTEST CHANCE OF WAR ANYWHERE FOR MANY YEARS. HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF SHIPS HAVE BEEN PAID OFF AND LAID UP, AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OFFICERS ON HALF-PAY, AND WITHOUT THE SMALLEST CHANCE OF EVER GETTING employment again. You have arrived too late in the world for sailoring. Besides, I do not think in any case your father would consent to SUCH A THING. I AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT I DO NOT THINK HE HAS ANY IDEA, OR EVEN DESIRE, THAT YOU SHOULD TURN OUT A FAMOUS SCHOLAR AS HE IS. BUT TO A MAN LIKE HIM IT WOULD SEEM TERRIBLE THAT YOUR EDUCATION SHOULD CEASE ALTOGETHER AT THE AGE AT WHICH BOYS GO INTO THE NAVY, A THAT YOU SHOULD GROW UP KNOWING NOTHING OF WHAT HE CONSIDERS THE ESSENTIALS OF A GENTLEMAN’S EDUCATION. NO, NO, HORACE, THE SEA IS OUT OF THE QUESTION. YOU MUST GO UP TO ETON, AS ARRANGED, AT THE END OF THESE HOLIDAYS, AND FROM ETON YOU MUST GO THROUGH ONE OF THE UNIVERSITIES. AFTER THAT YOU CAN WANDER ABOUT FOR A BIT AND SEE THE WORLD, AND YOU WILL SEE AS MUCH OF IT IN SIX MONTHS THAT WAY AS IN twice as many years were you in the navy in these times of peace.” Horace looked a little downcast. “THERE IS ANOTHER THING, HORACE,” HIS AUNT SAID; “IT WOULD NOT BE FAIR FOR YOU TO GO INTO THE NAVY, EVEN IF THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE AGAIN it.” “How is that, aunt?” “WELL, HORACE, WHEN THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OFFICERS ON HALF-PAY, WHO CAN SCARCELY KEEP LIFE TOGETHER ON THE FEW POUNDS A YEAR THEY get, it would be hard indeed for young fellows with money and influence to step into the places and keep them out.” “YES, AUNT, I DID NOT THINK OF THAT,” HORACE SAID, BRIGHTENING UP. “IT CERTAINLY WOULD BE A BEASTLY SHAME FOR A FELLOW WHO CAN DO anything with himself to take the place of a man who can do nothing else.” “BESIDES, HORACE,” HIS AUNT WENT ON, “IF YOU LIKE THE SEA SO MUCH AS YOU DO NOW WHEN YOU HAVE DONE WITH COLLEGE, THERE IS NO REASON WHY YOU SHOULD NOT GET YOUR FATHER TO LET YOU EITHER HIRE OR BUY A YACHT AND GO WHERE YOU LIKE IN HER, INSTEAD OF TRAVELLING ABOUT land.” “THAT WOULD BE VERY JOLLY!” HORACE EXCLAIMED. “YES, THAT WOULD BE REALLY BETTER THAN GOING TO SEA, BECAUSE ONE COULD GO WHERE ONE liked.” AND SO AT THE END OF THE HOLIDAYS HORACE WENT UP TO ETON. ON HIS RETURN HOME IN THE SUMMER HIS FATHER SAID: “YOUR AUNT WAS OVER HERE THE OTHER DAY, HORACE, AND SHE WAS TELLING ME ABOUT THAT FOOLISH IDEA YOU HAVE OF GOING TO SEA. I WAS GLAD TO HEAR THAT YOU GAVE IT UP AT ONCE WHEN SHE POINTED OUT TO YOU THE ABSURDITY OF IT. HER OPINION IS THAT AS YOU ARE SO FOND OF THE WATER, AND AS MARCO CAN MANAGE A BOAT WELL, IT WOULD BE A GOOD THING FOR YOU TO HAVE ONE OF YOUR OWN, INSTEAD OF GOING OUT ALWAYS WITH THE FISHERMEN; THE IDEA SEEMED TO ME A GOOD ONE, SO I GOT HER TO WRITE TO SOME ONE SHE KNOWS AT EXMOUTH, AND HE HAS SPOKEN TO THE REVENUE OFFICER THERE. THEY HAVE BEEN BOTHERING ME ABOUT WHAT SIZE IT SHOULD BE, AND AS I COULD NOT TELL THEM WHETHER IT SHOULD BE TEN FEET LONG OR FIFTY, I SAID THE MAT must remain till you came home, and then Marco could go over with you to Exmouth and see the officer.” “Oh, thank you very much, father!” “IT IS ONLY RIGHT THAT YOU SHOULD BE INDULGED IN A MATTER LIKE THIS, HORACE. I KNOW THAT YOU DON’T CARE ABOUT RIDING ALONE, AND I AM SOR I CAN’T BE MORE OF A COMPANION TO YOU, BUT I HAVE ALWAYS MY HANDS FULL OF IMPORTANT WORK, AND I KNOW THAT FOR A BOY OF YOUR AGE IT MUST BE VERY DULL HERE. CHOOSE ANY BOAT YOU LIKE. I HAVE BEEN TALKING TO MARCO, AND HE SAYS THAT SHE CAN BE HAULED UP ON THE BEACH AND LIE THERE PERFECTLY SAFE WHEN YOU ARE AWAY. OF COURSE IF NECESSARY HE CAN HAVE A YOUNG FELLOW OR TWO FROM THE VILLAGE TO HELP WHIL YOU ARE AT HOME. HE SEEMS TO THINK THAT IN THAT WAY YOU COULD HAVE A BOAT OF MORE COMFORTABLE SIZE. I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT, SO I HAVE LEFT THE MATTER ENTIRELY TO HIM AND YOU. THE DIFFERENCE OF COST BETWEEN A SMALL BOAT AND A LARGE ONE IS OF NO CONSEQUENCE ONE way or the other.” ACCORDINGLY, THE NEXT MORNING MARCO AND HORACE STARTED DIRECTLY AFTER BREAKFAST IN THE CARRIAGE TO CATCH THE COACH, WHICH PASSE ALONG THE MAIN ROAD FOUR MILES FROM SEAPORT, AND ARRIVED AT EXMOUTH AT TWO. THEY HAD NO DIFFICULTY IN FINDING THE HOUSE OF CAPTA Martyn, whose title was an honorary one, he being a lieutenant of many years’ service. “Is Captain Martyn in?” Horace asked the servant who opened the door. “No, sir; he is away in the cutter.” Horace stood aghast. It had never struck him that the officer might not be at home. “His son is in, Mr. William Martyn, if that will do,” the servant said, seeing the boy’s look of dismay. “I don’t know,” he said; “but at any rate I should like to see him.” “I will tell him, sir, if you will stay here.” A minute later a tall powerfully-built young fellow of two or three-and-twenty came to the door. “Well, youngster, what is it?” he asked. “I HAVE COME ABOUT BUYING A BOAT, SIR. MY NAME IS BEVERIDGE. I BELIEVE CAPTAIN MARTYN WAS KIND ENOUGH TO SAY THAT HE WOULD LOOK out for a boat for us.” “OH, YES, I HAVE HEARD ABOUT IT; BUT WHETHER IT WAS A DINGHY OR A MAN-OF-WAR THAT WAS WANTED WE COULDN’T FIND OUT. DO YOU INTEND TO manage her single-handed?” “OH, NO, SIR! I HAVE DONE A LOT OF SAILING WITH THE FISHERMEN AT SEAPORT, BUT I COULD NOT MANAGE A BOAT BY MYSELF, NOT IF THERE WAS ANY wind. But Marco was a sailor among the Greek isles before he entered my father’s service.” “Want a comfortable craft,” the Greek, who had learned to speak a certain amount of English, said. “Can have two or three hands.” “OH, YOU WANT A REGULAR CRUISER! WELL, YOU ARE A LUCKY YOUNG CHAP, I MUST SAY. THE IDEA OF A YOUNG CUB LIKE YOU HAVING A BOAT WITH two or three hands to knock about in! Do you want a captain, because I am to let?” “NO, SIR, WE DON’T WANT A CAPTAIN, AND WE DON’T WANT A GREAT BIG CRAFT. SOMETHING ABOUT THE SIZE OF A FISHING-BOAT, I SHOULD SAY. ARE you a sailor?” “YES, WORSE LUCK, I AM A MASTER’S MATE, IF YOU KNOW WHAT THAT IS. IT MEANS A PASSED MIDSHIPMAN. I HAVE BEEN A MASTER’S MATE FOR FOUR YEARS, AND AM LIKELY TO BE ONE ALL MY LIFE, FOR I HAVE NO MORE CHANCE OF GETTING A BERTH THAN I HAVE OF BEING APPOINTED A POST-CAPTAIN TO-MORROW. WELL, I WILL PUT ON MY CAP AND GO WITH YOU. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING ABOUT SINCE MY FATHER HEARD ABOUT A BOAT BEING WANTED. THE LETTER SAID NOTHING ABOUT YOUR AGE, OR WHAT SIZE OF BOAT WAS WANTED; IT GAVE IN FACT NO USEFUL INFORMATION WHATEVER. IT WAS ABOUT A MUCH TO THE POINT AS IF THEY HAD SAID YOU WANTED TO HAVE A HOUSE AND DID NOT SAY WHETHER IT WAS A TWO-ROOMED COTTAGE OR A COUNTRY mansion. But I think I know of a little craft that would about suit you. Does your father sail himself?” “WELL, YOUNGSTER, WHAT IS IT?” HORACE COULD NOT HELP SMILING AT THE IDEA. “NO,” HE SAID. “MY FATHER CARES FOR NOTHING BUT STUDYING GREEK. I AM AT ETON, BUT IT IS VERY SLOW IN THE HOLIDAYS, AND AS I GENERALLY GO OUT WITH THE FISHERMEN THE BEST PART OF THE TIME I AM AT HOME, HE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GOO thing for me to have a boat of my own.” WILLIAM MARTYN LOOKED QUIETLY DOWN AT THE LAD, THEN WENT IN AND GOT HIS CAP, REJOINED THEM, AND SAUNTERED DOWN TOWARDS THE RIVER. H led the way along the wharfs, passed above the town, and then pointed to a boat lying on the mud. “THAT IS THE CRAFT I SHOULD CHOOSE IF I WERE IN YOUR PLACE,” HE SAID. “SHE IS AS SOUND AS A BELL, AND I WOULDN’T MIND CROSSING THE BAY OF Biscay in her.” “But she is very large,” Horace said, looking at her with some doubt in his face. “SHE IS ABOUT FIFTEEN TONS BURTHEN,” HE SAID, “BUILT OF OAK, AND IS ONLY EIGHT YEARS OLD, THOUGH SHE LOOKS BATTERED ABOUT AND RUSTY AS SHE LIES THERE. SHE WAS BUILT FROM HIS OWN DESIGNS BY CAPTAIN BURROWS, AS GOOD A SAILOR AS EVER STEPPED. SHE IS FORTY FEET LONG AND FIFTEEN FEET BEAM. SHE IS FAST, AND A SPLENDID SEA-BOAT, WITH FOUR FOOT DRAFT OF WATER. HE DIED THREE YEARS AFTER HE BUILT HER, AND SHE HAS BEEN LYING THERE EVER SINCE. HER GEAR HAS BEEN ALL STOWED AWAY IN A DRY PLACE, AND THE OLD SAILOR IN CHARGE OF IT SAYS IT IS IN PERFECT ORDER. THE OLD CAPTAIN USED TO KNOCK ABOUT ON BOARD OF HER WITH ONLY A MAN AND A BOY, AND SHE IS AS EASY TO HANDLE AS A COCK-BOAT. I WAS OUT IN HER MORE THAN ONCE WHEN I WAS AT HOME ON LEAVE, AND SHE IS A BEAUTY. OF COURSE YOU CAN’T JUDGE OF HER AS SHE LIES THERE; BUT SHE HAS WONDERFULLY EASY LINES, AND SITS THE WATER LIKE A DUCK. SHE IS A DANDY, YOU SEE; THAT IS, SHE CARRIES A SMALL MIZZEN MAST. SHE WAS RIGGED so because a craft like that is a good deal easier to work short-handed than a cutter.” She seemed as she lay there so much larger than anything Horace had had the idea of possessing that he looked doubtfully at Marco. “I THINK SHE WILL DO,” THE GREEK SAID; “JUST THE SORT OF BOAT FOR US. SEE HER WHEN TIDE COMES UP, AND CAN GO ON BOARD. HOW MUCH cost?” “THEY ONLY WANT EIGHTY POUNDS FOR HER,” WILLIAM MARTYN SAID. “THEY ASKED A HUNDRED AND FIFTY AT FIRST; BUT EVERYTHING IS SO DULL, AN THERE HAVE BEEN SUCH A LOT OF SMALL CRAFT SOLD OFF FROM THE DOCKYARDS, THAT SHE HAS NOT FOUND A PURCHASER. IF I HAD TWO OR THREE HUNDRE A YEAR OF MY OWN THERE IS NOTHING I SHOULD LIKE BETTER THAN TO OWN THAT CRAFT AND KNOCK ABOUT IN HER. HER ONLY FAULT IS SHE WANTS HEA ROOM. THERE IS ONLY FIVE FOOT UNDER HER BEAMS, FOR SHE HAS A LOW FREEBOARD. THAT PREVENTS HER FROM BEING SOLD AS A YACHT. BUT AS ONE DOES NOT WANT TO WALK ABOUT MUCH BELOW I DON’T SEE THAT THAT MATTERS. SHE HAS GOT A ROOMY CABIN AND A NICE LITTLE STATEROOM FOR T owner, and a fo’castle big enough for six hands.” “It would be splendid,” Horace said. “But do you think, Marco, my father meant me to have such a large boat as this?” THE GREEK NODDED. “MASTER SAID BUY A GOOD BIG SAFE BOAT. NO USE GETTING A LITTLE THING MR. HORACE TIRE OF IN A YEAR OR TWO. CAN always get a man or two in the holidays. I think that is just the boat.” “TIDE HAS NEARLY REACHED HER,” WILLIAM MARTYN SAID. “WE SHALL BE ABLE TO GET OFF TO HER IN AN HOUR. WE WILL GO AND OVERHAUL THE GE now. I will get the key of the cabins.” It took them a good hour to get out the sails and inspect them, and examine the ropes and gear. All were pronounced in good order. “THE SAILS ARE AS GOOD FOR ALL PRACTICAL PURPOSES AS THE DAY THEY WERE TURNED OUT,” MARTYN SAID. “THEY MAY NOT BE QUITE AS WHITE AS THE FRESH-WATER SAILORS ABOUT HERE THINK NECESSARY FOR THEIR PLEASURE CRAFT, BUT THEY ARE SOUND AND STRONG, AND WERE WELL SCRUBBED BEFORE THEY WERE PUT AWAY. AND YOU MAY BE SURE BURROWS USED NONE BUT THE BEST ROPE MONEY COULD BUY. NOW WE WILL GO ON BOARD. SHE WILL LOOK A DIFFERENT CRAFT WHEN HER DECKS ARE HOLY-STONED, AND SHE GETS TWO OR THREE COATS OF PAINT,” THE YOUNG OFFICER WENT ON AS THEY STEPPED ON BOARD. “A LANDSMAN CAN NEVER JUDGE OF A BOAT WHEN SHE IS DISMANTLED, AND HE CAN’T JUDGE MUCH AT ANY TIME. HE THINKS more of paint and polish than he does of a ship’s lines.” BUT HORACE HAD SEEN ENOUGH OF BOATS TO BE ABLE TO APPRECIATE TO SOME EXTENT THE EASY LINES OF HER BOW AND HER FINE RUN, AND THE GREEK WAS DELIGHTED WITH HER. BELOW SHE WAS IN GOOD ORDER, EXCEPT THAT SHE WANTED A COAT OF PAINT. THE CABINS WERE OF COURSE ENTIRELY DISMANTLED, BUT HORACE WAS SURPRISED AT THEIR ROOMINESS, ACCUSTOMED AS HE WAS TO THE CLOSE LITTLE FO’CASTLES OF THE FISHING boats. “SHE WAS FITTED UP IN A REGULAR MAN-OF-WAR FASHION,” MARTYN SAID. “THIS WAS JUST A CAPTAIN’S CABIN ON BOARD A FRIGATE, BUT ON A SMALL scale, and so was the state-room. We did not see the furniture, but it is all upstairs in an attic of the cottage we went to.” “How long would it take to get her ready?” Horace asked. “ABOUT TEN DAYS. MOST OF HER BALLAST IS OUT OF HER, BUT THE REST OUGHT TO COME OUT SO AS TO GIVE HER A REGULAR CLEAN DOWN, AND A COAT O WHITEWASH BELOW, BEFORE IT IS ALL PUT IN AGAIN. IF YOU LIKE, YOUNG ’UN, I WILL LOOK AFTER THAT. I HAVE GOT NOTHING TO DO, AND IT WILL BE AMUSEMENT TO ME. I AM LOOKING FOR A BERTH AT PRESENT IN A MERCHANTMAN, BUT THERE ARE SUCH A NUMBER OF MEN OUT OF HARNESS THAT IT ISN’T EASY TO GET A JOB. LOOK HERE, IF YOU REALLY WANT TO LEARN SOME DAY TO BE FIT TO TAKE CHARGE OF THIS CRAFT YOURSELF, YOU COULD NOT DO BET THAN PERSUADE YOUR FATHER TO LET YOU COME OVER HERE AND SEE HER FITTED UP, THEN YOU WILL KNOW WHERE EVERY ROPE GOES, AND LEARN MORE THAN YOU WOULD SITTING ABOUT ON DECK IN THE COURSE OF A YEAR. THERE WILL BE NO DIFFICULTY IN GETTING A COUPLE OF ROOMS READY FOR YOU AN your man in the town.” “Can we get home to-night, sir?” “Yes, the coach goes through here at six o’clock.” “MY FATHER WILL WRITE TO-MORROW, AT LEAST I EXPECT HE WILL,” HORACE SAID. “IT ISN’T VERY EASY TO GET HIM TO DO THINGS, BUT I EXPECT I SH manage.” “HE WILL WRITE,” MARCO SAID CONFIDENTLY; AND AS THE BOY KNEW THAT THE GREEK HAD FAR MORE OPPORTUNITIES OF GETTING AT HIS FATHER THAN had, he felt sure that he would manage it. “We are very much obliged to you, Mr. Martyn,” he said. “ALL RIGHT, YOUNG SIR. IF YOUR FATHER DECIDES TO TAKE THE BOAT GET HIM TO WRITE TO ME; OR IF HE IS BAD AT WRITING, WRITE TO ME YOURSELF A settling it with him, and I will put on men and see that she is ready for sea in a fortnight.” “Do you feel sure father will let me have the boat, Marco?” Horace said as soon as they were alone. “IT IS DONE,” THE GREEK SAID WITH A WAVE OF HIS HAND. “HE SAID TO ME, ‘GO AND BUY A PROPER BOAT, SEE THAT EVERYTHING IS RIGHT ABOUT IT, BUT DON’T WORRY ME.’ SO WHEN I SAY, ‘I HAVE BOUGHT THE BOAT; IT IS JUST THE THING WE WANT; IT WILL COST A HUNDRED POUNDS BY THE TIME IT IS ready for sea,’ he will say he is glad to hear it, and there will be an end of it. Mr. Beveridge never troubles.” “And will you tell him that it would be a good thing for me to go over and see her fitted up?” “I will tell him. He will be glad to know that you have got something to do.” It was half-past ten o’clock when they got home. The other Greek opened the door. “Is the master in bed yet, Zaimes?” “He went upstairs ten minutes ago. I think he had forgotten all about Horace not being at home. He did not mention his name to me.” “WHAT A NUISANCE!” HORACE SAID. “NOW I SHALL HAVE TO WAIT TILL MORNING BEFORE I KNOW ABOUT IT, AND I AM SO ANXIOUS TO HEAR WHAT HE says.” “It will be all the pleasanter when you hear,” Zaimes said quietly. The two men were brothers, Zaimes being ten years senior. He was Mr. Beveridge’s valet, his brother being a sort of general assistant, WAITING AT MEALS EXCEPT WHEN HORACE WAS AT HOME, WHEN HE WAS CONSIDERED SPECIALLY TOLD OFF TO HIM. THEY LIVED APART FROM THE OTHER servants, having a room of their own where they cooked their meals in their own fashion. Both were extremely attached to their master, and would have given their lives for him. “MARCO WILL TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT, AND I WILL TALK TO THE MASTER WHILE I AM DRESSING HIM. YOU ARE MAKING MARCO AGAIN A BOY LIKE YOURS HORACE. HE IS AS EAGER ABOUT THIS BOAT AS YOU ARE”; AND HE SMILED INDULGENTLY AT HIS BROTHER, WHOM HE STILL REGARDED AS A BOY, ALTHOUGH he was now nearly forty. “THAT WILL BE THE BEST PLAN, ZAIMES. I SHALL BE GLAD FOR HIM TO KNOW ALL ABOUT IT BEFORE BREAKFAST TIME, FOR I AM SURE I SHOULD NOT LIKE tell him that we had fixed on a boat like that.” HORACE WAS A LONG TIME BEFORE HE GOT TO SLEEP. HE HAD NEVER DREAMT OF ANYTHING BIGGER THAN AN OPEN BOAT, AND THE THOUGHT OF HAVING A CRAFT THAT HE COULD SAIL ANYWHERE ALONG THE COAST, AND EVEN SLEEP ON BOARD, SEEMED ALMOST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. HE WOKE AN HOUR BEFORE HIS TIME, DRESSED HASTILY, WENT OUT INTO THE GARDEN, AND STOOD THERE LOOKING OVER THE SEA. THE FISHING-BOATS WERE GOING OUT, AND HE PICTURED TO HIMSELF THE BOAT HE HAD SEEN, GLIDING ALONG AMONG THEM, BIGGER AND EVER SO MUCH HANDSOMER THAN ANY OF THEM; AND HOW HE WOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE OUT HIS COUSINS, AND PERHAPS SOME DAY HAVE A SCHOOL FRIEND TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS WITH HIM AND CRUISE ABOUT. So deep was he in his thoughts that he was surprised when he heard the bell ring for breakfast. “NOW, THEN,” HE SAID TO HIMSELF AS HE WALKED BACK TO THE HOUSE, “I SHALL KNOW. OF COURSE IT WILL BE A HORRIBLE DISAPPOINTMENT IF HE SAYS NO, BUT I SHA’N’T SHOW IT, BECAUSE IT IS TOO MUCH TO EXPECT HIM TO DO THIS. I SHOULD NEVER HAVE DREAMT OF SUCH A THING IF IT HAD NOT BEEN for Marco. Well, here goes”; and he walked into the parlour. “Good morning, father!” “GOOD MORNING, HORACE. I AM GLAD TO HEAR THAT MARCO HAS FOUND JUST THE BOAT THAT HE THINKS WILL SUIT THE PLACE. HE TELLS ME YOU WANT GO OVER AND SEE HER FITTED OUT. I THINK THAT THAT WILL BE A VERY GOOD PLAN. WHEN YOU DO A THING, HORACE, DO IT WELL IF IT IS WORTH DOING all. Marco will go back with you by the coach this morning.” “Oh, thank you, father; it is awfully kind of you!” “I WISH YOU TO ENJOY YOURSELF,” HIS FATHER SAID; “IT IS NO MORE THAN THE PRICE OF ANOTHER HORSE. IT IS A FINE SPORT AND A HEALTHY ONE, AND I DON’T KNOW THAT IT IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN GALLOPING ABOUT THE COUNTRY ON HORSEBACK. I HAVE TOLD MARCO TO MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS, AN NOT TO WORRY ME ABOUT THINGS. AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH HOLIDAY HE WILL SAY HOW MUCH HE WILL REQUIRE FOR PROVISIONS ON BOARD, AND THE PAYMENT OF THE WAGES OF A MAN AND A BOY. I SHALL GIVE HIM A CHEQUE, AND THERE WILL BE AN END OF IT AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED. I SHALL BE MUCH MORE AT MY EASE KNOWING THAT YOU ARE ENJOYING YOURSELF ON BOARD THAN WONDERING WHAT YOU WILL DO TO AMUSE YOURSELF FROM DAY to day.” THINKING THAT ALL THAT WAS NECESSARY HAD BEEN SAID, MR. BEVERIDGE THEN OPENED A GREEK BOOK THAT LAY AS USUAL BESIDE HIS PLATE, AND SPEEDILY BECAME ABSORBED IN IT. WHEN HE HIMSELF HAD FINISHED, HORACE SLIPPED AWAY. HE KNEW THAT HIS FATHER WOULD BE AT LEAST TWO HOURS OVER THE MEAL, WHICH HE ONLY TURNED TO WHEN ZAIMES MADE A MOVEMENT TO ATTRACT HIS ATTENTION, EVERYTHING BEING KEPT DOWN BY the fire, which was lit specially for that purpose, even in summer. “It is all settled, Marco; think of that! Won’t it be glorious?” “IT WILL BE VERY GOOD, HORACE. I SHALL LIKE IT ALMOST AS MUCH AS YOU WILL. I LOVE THE SEA, EVEN THIS GRAY UGLY SEA OF YOURS, WHICH IS SO DIFFERENT FROM THE BLUE OF THE ÆGEAN. I TOO MOPE A LITTLE SOMETIMES WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT HOME, FOR THOUGH I HAVE THE KINDEST AND BEST O MASTERS, ONE LONGS SOMETIMES FOR CHANGE. I TOLD YOU YOUR FATHER WOULD AGREE. IT IS JUST WHAT I TOLD HIM WE SHOULD WANT. AN OPEN BOAT IS NO USE EXCEPT WHEN THE WEATHER IS FINE, AND THEN ONE MUST ALWAYS KEEP CLOSE TO PORT IN CASE THE WIND SHOULD DROP, AND WHEN IT COMES CALM YOU HAVE TO BREAK YOUR BACK WITH ROWING. OH, WE WILL HAVE FINE SAILS TOGETHER, AND AS YOU GROW OLDER WE CAN GO FARTHER AWAY, FOR SHE SHOULD BE SAFE ANYWHERE. WHEN YOU BECOME A MAN I DARESAY HE WILL GET FOR YOU SOMETHING BIGGER, AND THEN PERHAPS WE can sail together to Greece, and perhaps the master will go with you, for he loves Greece as much as we do.” There was a fortnight of hard work. William Martyn was in command, and kept Horace at work as if he had been a young midshipman UNDER HIS ORDERS; WHILE MARCO TURNED HIS HAND TO EVERYTHING, SINGING SNATCHES OF SAILOR SONGS HE HAD SUNG AS HE FISHED WHEN A BOY, chattering in Greek to Horace, and in broken English to the two men. “You are going to be skipper, I hear,” William Martyn said to him one day. “Going to skip!” Marco repeated vaguely. “I know not what you mean.” “Going to be captain—padrone.” MARCO SHOOK HIS HEAD. “NO, SIR. CAN SAIL OPEN BOAT GOOD, BUT NOT FIT TO TAKE CHARGE OF BOAT LIKE THIS. GOING TO HAVE MAN AT SEAPORT, A GOOD FISHERMAN. HE SAILED A LONG TIME IN BIG SHIPS. MAN-OF-WAR’S MAN. WHEN WAR OVER, CAME BACK TO FISH. I SHALL LOOK AFTER YOUNG master, cook food for him, pull at rope, steer sometimes; but other man be captain and sail boat.” William Martyn nodded. “Quite right, Marco; these fishermen know the coast, and the weather, and the ports and creeks to run into. It is all very well in fine weather, but when you get a blow, a craft like this wants a man who can handle her well.” HORACE’S PRIDE IN THE CRAFT INCREASED EVERY DAY. AS SHE LAY WEATHER-BEATEN AND DISMANTLED ON THE MUD SHE HAD SEEMED TO HIM LARGER BUT NOT SUPERIOR IN APPEARANCE TO THE FISHING CRAFT OF SEAPORT, WHICH WERE MOST OF THEM BOATS OF TEN OR TWELVE TONS; BUT EACH DAY HER APPEARANCE CHANGED, AND AT THE END OF TEN DAYS—WITH ALL HER RIGGING IN PLACE, HER MASTS AND SPARS SCRAPED, HER DECK FAIRLY WHITE, AND HER SIDES GLOSSY WITH BLACK PAINT—SHE SEEMED TO HIM A THING OF PERFECT BEAUTY. IT WAS JUST THE FORTNIGHT WHEN THE PAINT AND VARNISH OF THE CABINS WERE DRY, THE FURNITURE IN ITS PLACE, AND EVERYTHING READY FOR SEA. HORACE’S DELIGHT CULMINATED WHEN THE ANCHOR WAS GOT UP sail set on her, and William Martyn took the helm, as with a light wind she ran down through the craft in the harbour for a trial trip. “SHE IS A WONDERFULLY HANDY LITTLE CRAFT,” THE MATE SAID APPROVINGLY, AS SHE BEGAN TO RISE AND FALL ON THE SWELL OUTSIDE; “THE OLD CAPT M KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING WHEN HE LAID DOWN HER LINES. SHE IS LIKE A DUCK ON THE WATER. I HAVE BEEN OUT IN HER WHEN BIG SHIPS WERE PUTTING THEIR NOSES INTO IT, AND SHE NEVER SHIPPED A PAILFUL OF WATER. I CAN TELL YOU YOU ARE IN LUCK, YOUNGSTER. HOW ARE YOU GOING TO TAK her round?” “I was going to write to-night for Tom Burdett—that is the man Marco spoke about—to come over by coach.” “I will tell you what I will do, youngster; I will take her over for you. I shall enjoy the trip. If you like we will start to-morrow morning.” “I should like that immensely,” Horace said; “we shall astonish them when we sail into the port.” “VERY WELL, THEN, THAT IS AGREED; YOU HAD BETTER GET SOME STORES ON BOARD; I MEAN PROVISIONS. OF COURSE IF THE WEATHER HOLDS LIKE THIS WE SHOULD BE THERE IN THE EVENING; BUT IT IS A GOOD RULE AT SEA NEVER TO TRUST THE WEATHER. ALWAYS HAVE ENOUGH GRUB AND WATER FOR A week on board; then, if you happen to be blown off shore, or anything of that sort, it is of no consequence.” CHAPTER II A YACHT ARCO, WHO ACTED AS BANKER AND APPEARED TO HORACE TO BE PROVIDED WITH AN UNLIMITED AMOUNT OF MONEY, WAS BUSY ALL THE evening getting crockery, cooking-utensils, knives and forks, table-cloths, towels, and other necessaries. “Why, it is like fitting out a house, Marco.” “WELL, IT IS A LITTLE FLOATING HOUSE,” THE GREEK SAID; “IT IS MUCH BETTER TO HAVE YOUR OWN THINGS, AND NOT TO HAVE TO BORROW FROM THE HO EVERY TIME. NOW WE WILL GET SOME PROVISIONS, TWO OR THREE BOTTLES OF RUM FOR BAD WEATHER, OR WHEN WE HAVE VISITORS ON BOARD, AND THEN WE SHALL BE COMPLETE. MR. MARTYN SAID HE WOULD SEE TO THE WATER. NOW, WE WILL GO TO BED SOON, FOR WE ARE TO BE DOWN AT THE wharf at six o’clock; and if we are not there in time you may be sure that you will get a rating.” “There is no fear of my being late, Marco. I don’t think I shall sleep all night.” “AH! WE SHALL SEE. YOU HAVE BEEN ON YOUR FEET SINCE SEVEN THIS MORNING. I SHALL HAVE TO PULL YOU BY YOUR EAR TO WAKE YOU IN THE morning.” THIS, HOWEVER, WAS NOT NECESSARY. THE BOY WAS FAST ASLEEP IN FIVE MINUTES AFTER HE HAD LAID HIS HEAD ON THE PILLOW; HE WOKE SOON AFTER daylight, dropped off to sleep several times, but turned out at five, opened the door of the Greek’s room, and shouted: “Now, then, Marco, time to get up: if you do not, it is I who will do the ear-pulling.” They were down at the wharf at a quarter to six. As the clock struck the hour William Martyn came down. “GOOD-MORNING, YOUNGSTER! YOU ARE BEFORE YOUR TIME, I SEE. YOU WOULDN’T BE SO READY TO TURN OUT AFTER YOU HAD HAD A YEAR OR TWO ON BOARD SHIP. WELL, IT LOOKS AS IF WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A GRAND DAY. THERE IS A NICE LITTLE BREEZE, AND I FANCY IT WILL FRESHEN A GOOD BIT LATER ON. NOW, THEN, TUMBLE INTO THE DINGHY, I WILL TAKE THE SCULLS; THE TIDE IS RUNNING OUT STRONG, AND YOU MIGHT RUN HER INTO THE YACHT damage the paint; that would be a nice beginning.” As soon as they were on board, the mate said: “NOW, OFF WITH THOSE SHOES, YOUNGSTER. YOU CAN GO BAREFOOT IF YOU LIKE, OR YOU CAN PUT ON THOSE SLIPPERS YOU BOUGHT; WE HAVE GOT THE deck fairly white, and we must not spoil it. You should make that a rule: everyone who comes on board takes off his boots at once.” THE GREEK MADE THE DINGHY FAST, AND THEN TOOK OFF HIS SHOES AND STOCKINGS. HORACE PUT ON THE SLIPPERS, AND THE MATE A PAIR OF LIGHT shoes he had brought on board with him. “Now, then, off with the sail-covers; fold them up and put them down under the seat of the cockpit. Knot up the tyers loosely together, AND PUT THEM THERE ALSO. NEVER BEGIN TO HOIST YOUR SAILS TILL YOU HAVE GOT THE COVERS AND TYERS SNUGLY PACKED AWAY. NOW, MARCO, GET NUMBER TWO JIB OUT OF THE SAIL-LOCKER. I DON’T THINK WE SHALL WANT NUMBER ONE TO-DAY. NOW, HOOK ON THE HALLIARDS. NO; DON’T HOIST YET RUN IT OUT FIRST BY THE OUTHAUL TO THE END OF THE BOWSPRIT. WE WON’T HOIST IT TILL WE HAVE GOT THE MAINMAST AND MIZZEN UP. NOW, MAR you take the peak halliards, and I will take the main. Now, then, up she goes; ease off the sheet a bit. Horace, we must top the boom a BIT; THAT IS HIGH ENOUGH. MARCO, MAKE FAST; NOW UP WITH THE MIZZEN; THAT IS RIGHT. NOW, HORACE, BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE ALWAYS LOOK ROUND, SEE THAT EVERYTHING IS RIGHT, THE HALLIARDS PROPERLY COILED UP AND TURNED OVER SO AS TO RUN FREELY, IN CASE YOU WANT TO LOW OR REEF SAIL, THE SHEETS READY TO SLACKEN OUT, THE FORESAIL AND JIB SHEETS BROUGHT AFT ON THEIR PROPER SIDES. THERE IS NOTHING IN OUR WAY now; but when there are craft in the way, you want to have everything in perfect order, and ready to draw the moment the anchor is off THE GROUND. OTHERWISE YOU MIGHT RUN FOUL OF SOMETHING BEFORE YOU GOT FAIRLY OFF, AND NOTHING CAN LOOK MORE LUBBERLY THAN THAT. NOW you take the helm, and Marco and I will get up the anchor. The wind is nearly dead down the river; don’t touch the tiller till I tell you.” Horace stood by the helm till the mate said: “The chain is nearly up and down; now put the tiller gently to starboard.” As he spoke he ran up the jib, and as the boat’s head payed off, fastened the sheet to windward. “Now, Marco, round with the windlass; that is right, the anchor is clear now; up with it.” AS HE SPOKE HE RAN UP THE FORESAIL. “SLACK OFF THE MAIN SHEETS, LAD, HANDSOMELY; THAT IS RIGHT, LET THEM GO FREE; SLACK OFF THE MIZZEN sheets.” THE WIND HAD CAUGHT THE JIB NOW, AND, AIDED BY THE TIDE, BROUGHT THE BOAT’S HEAD SHARPLY ROUND. THE JIB AND FORESHEETS WERE HAULED TO LEEWARD, AND IN LESS THAN A MINUTE FROM THE TIME THE ANCHOR HAD LEFT THE GROUND THE BOAT WAS RUNNING DOWN THE RIVER WITH HER SHEETS W off before the wind. “HELM A-PORT A LITTLE, HORACE, SO AS TO GIVE US PLENTY OF ROOM IN PASSING THAT BRIG AT ANCHOR. THAT IS ENOUGH. STEADY! NOW KEEP AS YOU are. Marco, I will help you get the anchor on board, and then we will get up the topsail and set it.” IN TEN MINUTES THE ANCHOR WAS STOWED, TOPSAIL SET, AND THE ROPES COILED DOWN. THEN A SMALL TRIANGULAR BLUE FLAG WITH THE WORD “SUR was run up to the masthead. “PROPERLY SPEAKING, HORACE, FLAGS ARE NOT SHOWN TILL EIGHT O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING; BUT WE WILL MAKE AN EXCEPTION THIS TIME. GENTLY WI THE TILLER, LAD; YOU ARE NOT STEERING A FISHING-BOAT NOW; A TOUCH IS SUFFICIENT FOR THIS CRAFT. KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE FLAG, AND SEE THAT IT OUT STRAIGHT AHEAD. THAT IS THE EASIEST THING TO STEER BY WHEN YOU ARE DEAD BEFORE THE WIND. THERE IS MORE CARE REQUIRED FOR THAT THA FOR STEERING CLOSE-HAULED, FOR A MOMENT’S CARELESSNESS MIGHT BRING THE SAIL ACROSS WITH A JERK THAT WOULD PRETTY WELL TAKE THE MAST OUT her. It is easy enough now in smooth water; but with a following sea it needs a careful helmsman to keep a craft from yawing about.” MARCO HAD DISAPPEARED DOWN THE FORECASTLE HATCH AS SOON AS HE HAD FINISHED COILING DOWN THE TOPSAIL HALLIARD, AND A WREATH OF SMOKE now came up through the stove-pipe. “That is good,” the mate said. “We shall have breakfast before long.” THEY RAN THREE MILES STRAIGHT OUT, SO AS TO GET WELL CLEAR OF THE LAND; THEN THE SHEETS WERE HAULED IN, AND THE Surf’s HEAD POINTED EAST, and lying down to her gunwale she sped along parallel with the shore. “WE ARE GOING ALONG A GOOD SEVEN KNOTS THROUGH THE WATER,” THE MATE SAID. “SHE HAS GOT JUST AS MUCH SAIL AS SHE WANTS, THOUGH SHE WOULD STAND A GOOD DEAL MORE WIND, IF THERE WERE ANY OCCASION TO PRESS HER; BUT AS A RULE, HORACE, ALWAYS ERR ON THE RIGHT SIDE; THERE IS NEVER ANY GOOD IN CARRYING TOO MUCH SAIL. YOU CAN ALWAYS MAKE MORE SAIL IF THE WIND DROPS, WHILE IF IT RISES IT IS NOT ALWAYS EASY TO GET IT IN. GIVE ME THE HELM. NOW GO DOWN TO MARCO AND TELL HIM TO COME UP A FEW MINUTES BEFORE BREAKFAST IS READY. WE WILL GET THE topsail off her before we sit down, and eat our breakfast comfortably. There is no fun in having your plate in your lap.” BY HALF-PAST SEVEN THE TOPSAIL WAS STOWED AND BREAKFAST ON THE TABLE. MARCO TOOK THE HELM, WHILE THE MATE AND HORACE WENT DOWN TO breakfast. Horace thought that it was the most delightful meal he had ever taken; and the mate said: “THAT GREEK OF YOURS IS A FIRST-RATE COOK, HORACE. AN ADMIRAL COULD NOT WANT TO SIT DOWN TO A BETTER BREAKFAST THAN THIS. THERE IS N MUCH HERE TO REMIND ME OF A MIDSHIPMAN’S MESS. YOU WOULD HAVE HAD VERY DIFFERENT FOOD FROM THIS, YOUNGSTER, IF YOU HAD HAD YOUR WISH AND GONE TO SEA. THAT FATHER OF YOURS MUST BE A TRUMP; I DRINK HIS HEALTH IN COFFEE. IF HE EVER GETS A BIGGER CRAFT, AND WANTS A captain, I am his man if he will send your Greek on board as cook. Does he care for the sea himself?” “I THINK HE USED TO LIKE IT. I HAVE HEARD HIM TALK ABOUT SAILING AMONG THE GREEK ISLANDS; BUT AS LONG AS I HAVE KNOWN HIM HE HAS NEVER been away from home except for short runs up to London. He is always in his library.” “FANCY A MAN WHO COULD AFFORD TO KEEP A BIG CRAFT AND SAIL ABOUT AS HE LIKES WASTING HIS LIFE OVER MUSTY OLD BOOKS. IT IS A RUM TASTE, youngster. I think I would rather row in a galley.” “There are no such things as galleys now, are there?” “OH, YES, THERE ARE IN ITALY; THEY HAVE THEM STILL ROWED BY CONVICTS, AND I FANCY THE SPANISH GUN-BOATS ARE ROWED BY PRISONERS TOO. IT IS WORSE THAN A DOG’S LIFE, BUT FOR ALL THAT I WOULD RATHER DO IT THAN BE SHUT UP ALL MY LIFE IN A LIBRARY. YOU SEEM TO TALK GREEK W youngster.” “YES; MARCO HAS ALWAYS BEEN WITH ME SINCE I WAS A CHILD, AND WE HAVE ANOTHER GREEK SERVANT, HIS BROTHER; AND FATHER GENERALLY TALKS GREEK TO ME. HIS MOTHER WAS A GREEK LADY, AND THAT IS WHAT MADE HIM SO FOND OF IT AT FIRST. THEY SAY HE IS THE BEST GREEK SCHOLAR IN England.” “I suppose it differs a lot from the Greek you learn at school?” “YES, A LOT. STILL, OF COURSE, MY KNOWING IT HELPS ME TREMENDOUSLY WITH MY OLD GREEK. I GET ON FIRST-RATE AT THAT, BUT I AM VERY BAD A everything else.” “WELL, NOW WE WILL GO UP AND GIVE MARCO A SPELL,” THE MATE SAID. MARCO WAS RELIEVED AND WENT BELOW. HORACE TOOK THE HELM; THE mate lit a pipe and seated himself on the weather bulwark. “We shall be at Seaport before eleven if we go on like this,” he said. “Oh, do let us take a run out to sea, Mr. Martyn; it is no use our going in until four or five o’clock.” “Just as you like, lad; I am in no hurry, and it is really a glorious day for a sail. Put up the helm, I will see to the sheets.” AS THEY GOT FARTHER FROM THE PROTECTION OF THE LAND THE SEA GOT UP A BIT, BUT THE Surf WENT OVER IT LIGHTLY, AND EXCEPT THAT AN OCCASIONAL splash of spray flew over her bow, her decks were perfectly dry. “Have you heard of a ship yet, Mr. Martyn?” “YES, I HEARD ONLY YESTERDAY OF A BERTH AS FIRST-MATE IN A CRAFT AT PLYMOUTH. THE FIRST-MATE GOT HURT COMING DOWN CHANNEL, AND A FRIEN OF MY FATHER’S, LEARNING THERE WAS A VACANCY, SPOKE TO THE OWNERS. SHE BELONGS THERE, AND I AM TO JOIN THE DAY AFTER TO-MORROW. SHE IS bound up the Mediterranean. I shall be very glad to be off; I have had a dull time of it for the last four months except for this little job.” “I am afraid you won’t get any vehicle to take you back to-night,” Horace said. “NO, I DIDN’T EXPECT THAT; THE COACH IN THE MORNING WILL DO VERY WELL. I HAVE NOTHING TO DO BUT JUST TO PACK MY KIT, AND SHALL GO ON B coach next morning. I was thinking of sleeping on board here, if you have no objection.” “I am sure my father will be very glad to see you up at the house,” Horace said eagerly. “THANK YOU, LAD, BUT I SHALL BE MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE ON BOARD. MARCO SAID HE WOULD GET DINNER AT TWO, AND THERE IS SURE TO BE plenty for me to make a cold supper of, and as there is rum in the locker I shall be as happy as a king. I can smoke my pipe as I like. If I WERE TO GO UP WITH YOU I SHOULD BE UNCOMFORTABLE, FOR I HAVE NOTHING BUT MY SEA-GOING TOGS. I SHOULD PUT YOUR FATHER OUT OF HIS WAY, AND HE WOULD PUT ME OUT OF MINE. SO I THINK, ON ALL ACCOUNTS, I HAD MUCH BETTER REMAIN IN GOOD QUARTERS NOW I HAVE GOT THEM. HOW FAR is it to the place where I catch the coach?” “About four miles. We will send the carriage to take you there.” “THANK YOU, I WOULD MUCH RATHER WALK. I HAVE NOTHING TO CARRY BUT MYSELF, AND A FOUR MILES’ WALK ACROSS THE HILLS WILL BE JUST THE THI for me.” AT FOUR O’CLOCK THE Surf ENTERED THE LITTLE HARBOUR OF SEAPORT; HORACE WAS DELIGHTED WITH THE SURPRISE OF THE FISHERMEN AT THE ARRIVAL O the pretty craft. “You are sure you won’t change your mind and come up with me to the house?” “QUITE CERTAIN, THANK YOU, LAD. MARCO HAS PUT OUT EVERYTHING I CAN POSSIBLY REQUIRE. HE OFFERED TO COME DOWN TO GET BREAKFAST FOR ME, BUT I PREFER TO MANAGE THAT FOR MYSELF, THEN I CAN HAVE IT AT ANY TIME I FANCY. I WILL LOCK UP THE CABIN BEFORE I LAND. HE WILL BE THERE take the key.” “I SHALL...