THE HOME PORT. 289

“And as for yourself, captain, what are your plans ?”

“T cannot say that I have anything definite in mind, sir.”

“Do you prefer to go back to the forecastle with your
father, or continue in command of a vessel ?”’

“It is quite natural that after a fellow has got well up
the ladder he should object to stepping down again, and,
as a matter of course, I am in hopes to get another
command.”

“TI suppose the Progressive Age is too small for you by
this time,” the gentleman said, with a smile.

“TI should be only too well pleased, sir, to remain her
captain.”

“Well, we think she is too small for you. Your story
of bringing the brig home short-handed is very bare of
detail; but, fortunately, our correspondents in Hong
Kong have sent us full particulars by steamer. Conse-
quently we know a great deal which your modesty evi-
dently prevented you from telling. Your father should
arrive within a few weeks at the latest.”

“T should say so, sir. He will come along faster than
we did, and ought to have begun loading shortly after
I left.”

* What do you think of the Sportsman?”

«She is a remarkably nice little ship, sir.”

“Do you fancy you would be perfectly satisfied to be
master of her?”

«TIT, master of the Sportsman?” Ben repeated, in
surprise.

“Exactly. Your father will take command of a ship