“Sam,” he said, “Admiral Penrose is kind enough to offer me a berth in the Ramilies for one of you. If you can pass the examination, should you wish to avail yourself of the offer?”
Sam grew very red in the face, looked down, and twirled the button of his sleeve. He certainly was not a gracious boy, for all he said was in a gruff hoarse voice, without even thanks, “Not if it is for this.”
“For this! What do you mean, Sam?” said Captain Merrifield, thinking either that the boy was faint-hearted, or that his wish had been the mere fancy of the girls.
“Not if it is to punish Hal,” said Sam, with another effort.
“That is not the question. Do you wish it?”
Sam hung his head, and made his eyebrows come down, as if they were to serve as a veil to those horrid tears in his eyes; and after all, his voice sounded sulky, as he said, “Yes.”
“Is that all?” said the Captain, angry and disappointed. “Is that the way you take such an offer? If you had rather stay here, and be bred up to be a country squire, say so at once; don’t mince the matter!”
“O Papa!” cried Sam indignantly, “how can you think that? Didn’t I always want to be like you?”
“Then why can’t you say so?”
“Because I can’t bear to cut Hal out!” said Sam, putting his arm over his eyes, as a way he considered secret of disposing of his tears.