“One of you, he said,” put in Susan.
“I know it will be me!” said Hal. “He looked at the rigging of my frigate, and said I knew all the ropes quite well; and he told Papa he might be proud of such a son!”
“Oh! oh!” groaned the aggrieved multitude.
“Well—such a family; but he was looking at me; and I know he will give me the appointment; and I shall sail in his ship—you’ll see. And when I get to the Mediterranean, I’ll tell you what I’ll do—I shall kill a shark all my own self!”
“A shark in the Mediterranean!”
“Well, why shouldn’t they get in by the Straits of Magellan? Oh! is that the other place? Well, never mind—I’ll shoot the shark.”
“Stuff, Hal!” said Sam rather gruffly.
Hal went off on another tack. “Well, at least he has set me down by this time; and Papa will have me up to London for my outfit.”
“I hope you will have leave, and come and see us,” said Annie.
“I’ll try; but, you see, I shall be an officer on duty, and I dare say Admiral Penrose will hardly be able to spare me; but I’ll send you all presents out of my pay.”