A good beginning for a seaman.

Our craft, Mrs.Weldon, is one of those in which it is necessary to begin very young.

He who has not been a cabin-boy will never arrive at being a perfect seaman, at least in the merchant marine.

Everything must be learned, and, consequently, everything must be at the same time instinctive and rational with the sailor--the resolution to grasp, as well as the skill to execute." "Meanwhile, Captain Hull," replied Mrs.Weldon, "good officers are not lacking in the navy." "No," replied Captain Hull; "but, in my opinion, the best have almost all begun their career as children, and, without speaking of Nelson and a few others, the worst are not those who began by being cabin-boys." At that moment they saw Cousin Benedict springing up from the rear companion-way.

As usual he was absorbed, and as little conscious of this world as the Prophet Elias will be when he returns to the earth.
Cousin Benedict began to walk about on the deck like an uneasy spirit, examining closely the interstices of the netting, rummaging under the hen-cages, putting his hand between the seams of the deck, there, where the pitch had scaled off.
"Ah! Cousin Benedict," asked Mrs.Weldon, "do you keep well ?" "Yes--Cousin Weldon--I am well, certainly--but I am in a hurry to get on land." "What are you looking for under that bench, Mr.Benedict ?" asked Captain Hull.
"Insects, sir," returned Cousin Benedict.