"Wilton, I'm not going to live in the steerage—you may take my word for it. I've been an officer too long to come down to that. If we don't succeed in making a chain, I shall quit the concern the first time I put my foot on shore in Ireland."
"What do you mean by making a chain?" asked Wilton, eagerly.
"A chain is strong."
"Well; what of it?"
"It is composed of many links. Can't you understand that?"
"Hush up! Some one is coming," said Wilton, as he walked away from the brig.
"Here! who is that?" demanded Mr. Lowington, as he saw Wilton moving away from the lock-up.
"No. 59, sir—Wilton," replied he. "I was just going on deck to find you, sir."
"To find me?" asked the principal.
"Yes, sir. Shuffles called me when I was passing, and wished me to tell you he wanted to see you very much. I was just going after you, sir."