assisted in removing the stock from the old shop, that not only were the
stones used again in Church Street, but also most of the woodwork,
including the present door with its iron knocker, at which, probably,
Cook himself had knocked many a time.

At Staithes Cook remained as Saunderson's assistant for about eighteen
months, and it may easily be imagined how this growing lad listened with
all his ears to the tales of the old sailors recalling brave deeds and
strange experiences in storm and shine on that element which for so many
years was to be his home, and at length, impelled by some instinctive
feeling that on it lay the path ready at his feet to lead him on to
future distinction, he vowed to himself that he would not bind down his
life to the petty round of a country storekeeper.

At length the opportunity came, which is related, in a breezy and
life-like manner, by Besant as follows. After painting Saunderson's
character in colours of a rather disagreeable hue, as one too fond of his
grog for himself and his stick for his apprentices, he says that Cook
stole a shilling out of the till, packed up his luggage in a single
pocket-handkerchief, ran away across the moors to Whitby, found a ship on
the point of sailing, jumped on board, offered his services as cabin boy,
was at once accepted, showed himself so smart and attentive that he
completely won the heart of the sour-visaged mate, and through his good
graces was eventually bound apprentice to the owners of the ship, and
thus laid the foundation of his fortunes. This account does not explain
how it was that the dishonest runaway apprentice it depicts continued to
retain the friendship and esteem of his master and Mrs. Dodds.

APPRENTICED TO THE SEA.