"Would you like to go to sea and be a sailor, eh?"
"No, sir, thank you."
"Like to go for a soldier, eh? You might be a drummerboy, you know."
"No, thank you, sir."
"Neither sailor nor soldier; that's queer, too! I thought all lads longed to be one or the other! Why don't you, eh?"
"I would not like to leave my Aunt Hannah, sir; she has no one but me."
"What the deuce would you like, then?" testily demanded the old sailor.
"If you please, sir, nothing; do not trouble yourself."
"But you saved the life of my boys, you proud little rascal and do you suppose I am going to let that pass unrepaid?"
"Sir, I am glad the young gentlemen are safe; that is enough for me."