He was looking at Archie intently when their eyes met, and the boy felt somewhat abashed. The passenger, however, did not remove his glance instantly; he spoke instead.

"You've never been to sea before, have you?"

"No, sir; never been off the land till a week ago."

"Going to seek your fortune?"

"Yes; I'm going to make my fortune."

"Bravo! I hope you will."

"What's to hinder me?"

"Nothing; oh, nothing much! Everybody doesn't though. But you seem to have a bit of go in you."

"Are you going to make yours?" said Archie.

The stranger laughed.