I wrote a long letter to my father, detailing the loss of my money, and the reasons why I had changed my plans. I thought that the circumstances justified the change; but my strongest reason was, that Captain Farraday was my friend, and I should never have so favorable an opportunity again to learn seamanship. After I had written the letter, I read it over, and I concluded that my argument was strong enough to convince my father. Having mailed this letter, I looked about me for the captain. I found him at dinner, rather boosy again, but very kind, considerate, and friendly.
"Well, my hearty, are you ready yet for a life on the ocean wave?" said he.
"I have about concluded to go with you," I replied.
"Have you? Well, you have about concluded to do the biggest thing you ever did in your life."
"I have written to my father that I should go in the Michigan."
"Good, my hearty! You are on the high road to fortune now," added the captain, rubbing his hands.
"I don't expect to make my fortune. All I desire is to work my passage," I replied, rather amused at his enthusiasm.
"Fortunes have been made by a single voyage. I mean this shall be my last cruise."
"I hope you will make your fortune, sir."
"I expect to do it on this trip. Then I shall pay off the mortgage on my farm, and keep quiet for the rest of my life."