I like your looks, and you impress me as a boy of education." "I think I could do all you ask; but where does your vessel sail ?" "Oh, she ain't a foreign ship, only a small schooner, engaged in the coasting-trade down along the Jersey shore, sometimes going as far as the capes, and occasionally making a trip up the Hudson.

As navigation has closed on the river, we sha'n't go up there before Spring." "I think I would like the job," said Jim, who felt as if the vision shown by Aladdin's lamp was opening before him.

"What pay will you give if I suit you ?" "I am willing to pay well for the boy.

It will be twenty dollars a week and found"-- - "What!" exclaimed the astounded Jim, "did you say twenty dollars a _week_ ?" "That's just what I said.

I'm one of those who are willing to pay well for what they want." "I'll take the situation; when do you want me to go ?" "As soon as possible--what do you say for to-morrow ?" "That will suit, as I have nothing in the world to do; I only want to run down to the hotel and tell Tom." "Who's Tom ?" "He's the boy that came with me from home; he'll be mightily pleased when he hears the news." "Suppose you walk down with me, and take a look at the boat; it isn't far off." As Jim could see no reason for refusing, and as he hadn't the slightest thought of wrong, he replied that he would be glad to accept the invitation; and the two started off toward the wharves.
The well-dressed gentleman, who gave his name as Mr.Hornblower, kept up a running chat of the most interesting nature to Jim, who was sure he was one of the finest persons he ever met.