I explained the story of the boots, and he made inquiries, and found that it was all true; and then he gave me a vacancy as master's mate.

We were ordered to South America, and the trade winds took us there in a jiffey.

I liked my captain and officers very much; and what was better, we took some good prizes.

But somehow or other, I never had the luck to remain long in one ship, and that by no fault of mine; at least, not in this instance.

All went on as smooth as possible, until one day the captain took us on shore to a ball, at one of the peaceable districts.