'Thank you, sir,' Jack replied.
'Just one word more before we part,' Mr. Sergeant continued. 'Wherever you go, and whatever you undertake, be careful to act with straightforward zeal on behalf of those you serve. Never hurt any man, and never forget to hold strong control over yourself, since that will give strength to command others. You are young now, and may at times be tempted by less honourable associates. Shun them as you would avoid poison, since once you lose your own self-respect you are sure to fail. Good-bye, Jack; fear God always, and keep your honour safe. Don't forget my respects to your father.'
'No, sir,' Jack replied. 'And I shall endeavour to act up to your advice.'
Mr. Statten was particularly pleased to find the lad once again on board, and prepared for duty, while the chief officer gave him a smile on crossing the gangway. As for Readyman, he immediately made inquiry as to how Jack had enjoyed his long 'liberty' on shore.
'Oh, man, I have seen such wonderful things!' Jack exclaimed; 'flies that sail round of nights with lights to guide them, not red and green ones like ours, but white. I saw smoking——'
'Dutchies!' Readyman exclaimed. 'They do that all day, and most of the night, I believe.'
'Volcanoes,' Jack continued. 'And those fellows ashore eat more at one meal than would serve the starboard side of our fo'c's'le for one whole day. Mr. Sergeant—— By the way, Readyman, he said he knew you, and was supercargo of the "Isabella."'
'Ay, ay, sonny, I mind him well. He and your dad were always very thick; and he only escaped drowning by the skin of his teeth, as we say.'
'Well, it was he who gave us that splendid outing, and I shall never forget those temples. You should have seen them, Readyman. Mr. Sergeant said they are more than a thousand years old.'
'I'm glad you've had such a good time, my son, and can now stick your toes into the work aboard,' the quarter-master replied.