40 MARTIN RATTLER.

“Why don’t you run away, Rattler?” inquired
Bob, as they hurried round the docks to where the
vessel was warping out.

“ Because I don’t need to. My aunt has given
me leave to go if I like; but she says it would break
her heart if I do, and I would rather be screwed
down to a desk for ever than do that, Bob Croaker.”

The vessel, upon the deck of which the two boys
now leaped, was a large, heavy-built barque. Her
sails were hanging loose, and the captain was giving
orders to the men, who had their attention divided
between their duties on board and their mothers,
wives, and sisters, who still lingered to take a last
farewell.

“Now, then, those who don’t want to go to sea
had better go ashore,” roared the captain.

There was an immediate rush to the side.

“T say, Martin,’ whispered Barney, as he hurried
past, “jump down below for’ard; you can go out 0’
the harbour mouth with us, and get ashore in one 0’
the shore-boats alongside. They'll not cast off till
we're well out. I want to speak to you—”

“Man the fore-top-sail halyards,” shouted the first
mate.

“Ay, ay, sir-r-r!” and the men sprang to obey.
Just then the ship touched on the bar at the mouth