"The officers were very much affected. They belonged to an American ship of war that was just about returning home.
"'Would you like to go back with us?' said the captain, kindly.
"'Oh, Captain!' cried Harry, 'gladly will I go with you, but—'
"'But what?' asked the captain.
"'I want you to promise me that I shan't be beaten by Susan.'
"'What on earth do you mean?' cried the captain, as he and the rest burst into a laugh.
"Harry explained how Jack Bowsprit used to beat him with a rope's end, which he called his wife, Susan, and how he hated Susan worse than poison.
"They all laughed again at this, and the captain promised that Susan should be thrown overboard as far as he was concerned, and that he should be taken safely home.
"So Harry went with the officers, who treated him as if he was their son; and after a prosperous voyage, he arrived safely at New York; and money was given him to get home.
"That very evening Harry stood once more before his sorrowing, almost broken-hearted parents. What did they do? They did not utter one word of reproach; they just opened their arms, and the boy flung himself upon their breasts; and amid tears and blessings all was forgiven. But not forgotten. Oh, no! for Harry, once so heedless, tried his utmost to correct his faults, and with God's help, he succeeded; and now he is so steady, industrious, and obedient, that it is almost impossible to believe that he ever was called