The old captain whistled.
"I've had command of a ship-of-the-line and I've tried to command one woman, but give me the ship-of-the-line," he answered, reflectively. "No, you won't do."
"Captain Venour," remarked the young man, gravely, "I have had a command, sir, and in accordance with your agreement I have come to claim your granddaughter."
"What was your command, my lad?" asked the captain, facetiously, "a dinghy or a jolly-boat?"
"Neither, sir."
"A cutter, then?"
"No, sir."
"A brig or a sloop-of-war?"
"No, sir."
"Good heavens!" exclaimed the captain; "you don't mean to say you have been in charge of a frigate or a ship-of-the-line, a boy like you?"