town--you, as I'm proud to call my daughter! Look you here, Bet; I'll
give up the boys. Maybe I ain't fit for the sacred dooties of father.
Maybe I am a bit rough, and a bit strong in my temper. I'll give up
the boys, and you shall have them, same as if they was your own. I'll
go away to Lunnon, and you shan't be fretted by the sight of your poor
old father never no more, ef you make me a promise, like the good lass
you are. We all know what Bet Granger's promise is worth, and ef you
make it you'll keep it, Bet."

"Yes, father; certain sure ef I make it I'll keep it. What do you want
me to say?"

"Why now--look you here, Bet; you'll never say again as your poor old
father ain't mindful of you. I ha' got a mate for you, Bet--as fine
a seafaring lad as ever stepped--always sure of his berth, and earning
lots of money--a fine, honest, brave jack-tar; and he'll put you in
a little place of your own, and he'll do for you and the boys, and
I'll go away to Lunnon. There, Bet--the day you marries him, your
father'll take third-class fare to Lunnon."

"Who is he?" said Bet. Her eyes shone, and the color flushed into her
cheeks. Had Will Scarlett dared to go to her father. "Who is he?" she
repeated--"but oh! it was mean of him when I said as it couldn't be!"

Granger, who was watching her face, laughed loudly.

"Ho-ho, my pretty lass," he said, you look very bright about the face
for a girl what didn't care for a man. You take my advice, Bet, and
don't send away your sweetheart: no young maid should do that. There--I
needn't tell you his name when you know it. Come back with me now to