the tearful flow, for I'm to be a ship's boy at 'arf-a-crown a month,
and go Empire buildin'!"

"There!" said Mr. Harris, indicating a coil of rope. "Sit down and
have it out."



VI.

Some five or six years later, Mr. Harris--who resides in a small West
Country town, the name of which does not concern us--was seated in
his library reading, when his parlourmaid brought him a card--
"Mr. Wilkins, I.T.S. _Egeria_."

"I scarcely hoped that you would remember me, sir," began the
Schoolmaster, on being introduced. "But, happening to pass through--
on a holiday trip, a walking tour--I ventured to call and ask news of
Link Andrew. You may remember our having a conversation about him
once on board the _Egeria_?"

"I remember it perfectly," said Mr. Harris; "and you'll be glad to
hear that Andrew is doing remarkably well; is saving money, in fact,
and contemplates getting married."

"Indeed, sir, that is good hearing. I was afraid that he might have
left your employment."

"So, to be sure, he has; taking with him, moreover, an excellent
character. He is now a second gardener at a steady wage."