"Sam," he said, "Admiral Penrose is kind enough to offer me a berth
in the Ramilies for one of you. If you can pass the examination,
should you wish to avail yourself of the offer?"
Sam grew very red in the face, looked down, and twirled the button of
his sleeve. He certainly was not a gracious boy, for all he said was
in a gruff hoarse voice, without even thanks, "Not if it is for
this."
"For this! What do you mean, Sam?" said Captain Merrifield, thinking
either that the boy was faint-hearted, or that his wish had been the
mere fancy of the girls.
"Not if it is to punish Hal," said Sam, with another effort.
"That is not the question. Do you wish it?"
Sam hung his head, and made his eyebrows come down, as if they were
to serve as a veil to those horrid tears in his eyes; and after all,
his voice sounded sulky, as he said, "Yes."
"Is that all?" said the Captain, angry and disappointed. "Is that
the way you take such an offer? If you had rather stay here, and be
bred up to be a country squire, say so at once; don't mince the
matter!"
"O Papa!" cried Sam indignantly, "how can you think that? Didn't I
always want to be like you?"
"Then why can't you say so?"
"Because I can't bear to cut Hal out!" said Sam, putting his arm over
his eyes, as a way he considered secret of disposing of his tears.
Pages:
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254