In the first place, I cannot help you in your profession (as I told my nephew yesterday), neither can I afford you any time, which is precious: so good-bye, brother.

Here is something for you to read when you go home." John Forster took out his pocket-book, and gave him a sealed letter.
"Nephew, although I never saw the sea, or knew a sailor in my life, yet the law pervades everywhere.

An East India director, who is under obligations to me, has promised a situation for you as third mate on board of the _Bombay Castle_.

Here is his address: call upon him, and all will be arranged.

_You_ may come here again before you sail; and I expect you will make proper arrangements for your father, who, if I can judge from what I have already seen, will lose that paper I have given him, which contains what is not to be picked up every day." Nicholas was in a deep reverie; the letter had dropped from his hand, and had fallen, unnoticed by him, on the carpet.