MISS DUNHAM’S RETURN. I2I

agents first if father had gotten hold of the story. Most
likely a captain would have been appointed before I went
ashore, but for your assistance.”

It was evident the old man was pleased at being thus
regarded as a benefactor, and during the time Ben re-
mained on the ship he did not lose an opportunity to give
him good advice, or make suggestions as to the proper
course for a young captain to pursue under various
supposititious circumstances.

It would have pleased Mr. Short only too well if Ben
had borrowed from him every chart and nautical instru-
ment he owned; but the kindly offers were refused on
the plea that the brig was plentifully supplied with such
articles.

The captain of the Sportsman did not burden his son
with counsel as to his future line of conduct, but dis-
missed the matter in these few words, when, on the
following morning, Ben was on the point of taking his
departure :

“T reckon, my son, that you can be trusted to look out
for the craft now under your command. Don’t take too
many chances, and remember that on the success of this
voyage depends your career as a sailing-master. An
error of judgment now would always count against you,
no matter how many brilliant things you might do in the
future.”

It is safe to say that Ben was followed by the good
wishes of every person on board the Sportsman when he
left to rejoin his vessel, and it would have been strange