In which my father proves he can give good advice as well as Peter Anderson.
I found my father under the colonnade, and inquired of him if Anderson was there.
“No, he’s not,” replied my father; “he has been sent for by the officers; so stop, Tom—that is, if you can spare a minute for your own father.”
“Of course I can,” replied I, taking my seat by him.
“Why, you see, boy,” said my father, “I have but very little of your company, and I feel it, Tom, I do indeed. I’m not jealous, and I know that Peter Anderson has done more for you than ever I could, for I’ve no larning to signify; but still, Tom, I am your father, and I don’t think Peter, although he may be proud of your turning out so well, can feel exactly for you what a father does. I’m proud enough of you, Heaven knows, and it does hurt me a little when I find that, whenever you come here, it is for Peter Anderson, and it makes me wish sometimes that I had been Peter Anderson instead of your father.”
“Indeed, father,” replied I, “I hope you don’t think that I like Anderson better than I do you; but you recollect that I have been accustomed all my life to take his advice.”
“I know it, boy, I know it. I was serving my country and doing my duty on board of a King’s ship, and you were left here, and therefore lucky it was that you fell in with old Peter; but, Tom, I could not be in two places at the same time, and if I did not do my duty as a father towards you, at all events I was doing my duty to my country.”
“To be sure you were, and it was of more importance than looking after a brat like me,” replied I, soothingly, for I really never had the idea that my father could have showed so much feeling.
“Why, Tom, I can’t say that I thought so, for the fact is I didn’t think about it; indeed, I thought about nothing. Sailors afloat have little time to think, they can’t think when it’s their watch on deck, for they are too busy; nor at their watch below, for they’re too tired; nor at meal-times, for they must look after their share of the victuals; indeed, there is not any time to think on board ship, and that’s a fact. But, Tom, since I’ve been laid up here I have thought a good deal; all is calm and quiet, and one day passes just like the other, and no fear of interruption when one don’t wish it,—and I have thought a good deal. At first I thought it a hard case to be shoved on the shelf at my age, but I don’t think so now,—I’m quite satisfied.”
“I’m glad to hear you say so, father.”