158 DOGGED 7ACK.

not in that line of business! you look more like a
gentleman's son than anything else! what do you
understand about the duties of a cabin-boy ?"
 "Never mind what I am, sir," said Jack hurriedly,
 "I can learn what a cabin-boy has to do as well as
 other fellows. I promise you I'll work hard if you
 only take me with you, and as I don't know the
 duties, I'll take no wages till I learn them."
 "That's fair enough !" said the mate.
 But the captain still hesitated, and Jack could
hear him mutter something about "not liking to get
into trouble," and "that sort of chap wouldn't be of
much use," but the first mate drew him aside, and
apparently prevailed over all his scruples.
 In a few minutes the captain sprang across the
gangway, leaving the mate to speak to Jack.
 "Well, boy," he said, as this other chap don't
seem to be coming, we'll take you, and you're wages
will begin when you've learnt the work; what do you
say to that?"
 "That I shall be very happy to accept your offer,"
replied Jack brightly.
 "Then cut along, youngster," said the mate, point-
ing to the steamer, "for there's not a moment to lose,
we're off almost at once."
 Jack "cut along," as he was desired; but just as he
put his foot on board the steamer, a gust of wind