me your history - I mean your whole life, from the time you were a
boy."

"Well, perhaps I may, William; for there are many parts of my life
which would prove a lesson to others: but that must be after we have
got through our work."

"How old are you, Ready?"

"I am turned of sixty-four; a very old age for a seaman. I could not
obtain employment on board of a vessel if it were not that I am well
known to several captains."

"But why do you say `old for a seaman'?"

"Because sailors live faster than other people, partly from the
hardships which they undergo, and partly from their own fault in
drinking so much spirits; and then they are too often reckless and care
nothing for their healths."

"But you never drink spirits now?"

"No, never, William; but in my early days I was as foolish as others.
Now, Juno, you may bring in the bedding. We have two or three hours
yet, William; what shall we do next?"

"Had we not better make the fireplace all ready for cooking?"

"It was what I was going to propose, if you had not. I shall be here
to-morrow long before any of you, and I will take care that supper is