156 DOGGED .A CK..

the quays where the steamers and ships started for
distant ports and countries.
 A partial fog hung over the harbour, but the lights
from the numerous vessels and the lamps which were
lit along the quay allowed objects to be distinguished,
though but dimly.
 Jack saw one steamer evidently about to start,
and leaning against the nearest lamp-post he looked
on at the proceedings with something like interest,
notwithstanding his grief. For he was fond of the
sea, as nearly all boys are. Moreover, he was a
good sailor, having crossed the Channel frequently
with his father without ever suffering from illness,
and he had picked up a good deal of nautical
information from the numerous boys' books in his
possession.
 As he stood there idly, two men came off the
steamer and gazed anxiously up and down the quays.
They were the captain and the first mate, as Jack
afterwards learnt.
 "Whatever has become of that tiresome cabin-
boy ?" said the mate, with an oath.
 "Did he understand clearly that we were to start
at eight?" asked the captain, who was a red-faced,
good-natured looking man.
 "(' Ay, ay, did he," was the reply.