head.

'I am composed now,' said he, 'and will be guided by you, for I am
convinced you have been a true friend to me. But there must be no
reservation--you must tell me all.'

'Or you will doubt me. It was never my intention to keep you in the dark
or in leading strings longer than necessary. I am above the petty spirit
which, to magnify its importance, keeps to itself half a secret, to be
told at another time. You shall know all, and we will concert our
measures together as man and man, for I can easily guess from this
moment you have put off the boy for ever.'

It was true. Even in that short time a marked change had come upon him,
and it was with the resolved air of a man prepared to hear, determine,
and to act, if need be, with firmness and deliberation, that he pushed
his chair from the table, and folding his arms upon his chest, sat
waiting for the mariner to proceed in his tale. That burst of tears
which followed the announcement of his rank was a last farewell to
boyhood, and his firm attitude and handsome features looked worthy to
uphold the proud motto of his house, "Nulli Secundi."




CHAPTER VII.

THE SEAMAN'S STORY.