"Come here, my brave little lad. You are to do as the commodore has directed you, and present yourself here on Monday next. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir, I understand very well; but——"
"But—what, my lad? Wouldn't you like to come?"
"Oh, yes, sir! more than anything in the world. I would like it, but——"
"What, my boy?"
"It would be taking something for nothing; and I do not like to do that, sir."
"You are mistaken, Ishmael. It would be taking what you have a right to take. It would be taking what you have earned a hundred-fold. You risked your life to save Commodore Burghe's two sons, and you did save them."
"Sir, that was only my duty."
"Then it is equally the commodore's duty to do all that he can for you. And it is also your duty to accept his offers."
"Do you look at it in that light, sir?"