overmastering hardships.

The captain saw his face light up, and proceeded to explain further.

"I have a cousin who runs a schooner in the West Indies trade. He is
now at the Marshall House, Savannah. His vessel is somewhere near
there. Now I can get you a good berth with him, I know. I have done
him a few favors, and he is not ungrateful.

"Emmons, here, is going to start today with a gang of mules for
Augusta. You can help him on that far, and in payment he will buy you
a ticket to Savannah. I will give you a letter to my cousin, and also
write him by mail that you are on the way. Now, what do you think of
that?"

"Sounds mighty nice--almost too nice," thought Ralph, who was shrewd
enough to wonder why Shard--whom he had been warned against--should put
himself out to serve a Granger.

"Perhaps he is sick of the feud, like me. I'm sure I would do him a
favor, if he is half a Vaughn. By granny! I believe I will take him
up. Aunt Dopples don't know everything."

"Think over it well," added the captain, noticing the boy's reflective
manner. "A sailor's life is by no means easy, yet a bright, active lad
can rise. Many a captain began before the mast."

Shard was smiling seductively, though his gaze seemed hard and
penetrating. He hung over the lad not unlike some bird of prey,
waiting for a favorable chance to pounce.