“Tim is stuffing him in the kitchen, sir.”
“Well, when he has done eating, show him up here. Stir up the fire; put more logs on; that will do. And now, Edward, since you are so fond of reading trash about the sea, we will hear what this poor cripple has got to say. I have no doubt when you hear his story of real life, it will help to cure you of your wild and foolish notions about the navy. If you want to go to sea for a time, take a trip in a merchant ship.”
“That is not like the king’s navy, no more than a militia-man at home is like one of the royal guard who has fought against the French, uncle.”
“If you wished to take a trip, my old friend Redgill has half a dozen ships, and will be glad to oblige me.”
“I don’t like the name of Redgill, or his ships either,” said Ned, with a scornful curl of his lip.
“What is that you say, sir?”
“I can’t help it, uncle; I don’t like any of the Redgills; as to Phillip, I hate him.”
“Remember, Edward, they are relations of mine, which you are not.”
“I know it, uncle,” said Ned, with a sigh. “Charley and I depend upon you for everything. We are poor, friendless orphans.”
“And perhaps may remain friendless and moneyless, too, if you do not do my bidding, young sir; remember that.”