He sat down at his desk.
"Ah, what would England be without her mothers?" he said, taking up a pen.
* * * * *
The quill pen ceased to squeak.
Nelson thumped the letter with characteristic zeal, rose and gave it to the boy.
Kit pocketed it, his eyes looking thanks through tears.
"Your father'd be proud of you," said Nelson. "He was a true seaman—as his son will be."
"He's thinking of turning soldier, ain't you, Kit?" cut in the Parson.
"He's like me—got no use for the sea except as an emetic."
"No, no," said Nelson, smiling. "The Navy claims her cubs."
"Well, well," replied the other, "I won't dispute the point. But like another young seaman I used to know perhaps some day he'll rise to be Colonel of Marines, and win great victories at sea as the result of what we've taught him on land."