It
is not a trade for a youngster to be idle in; and I won't have you,
just when you've knocked about a few years, and are getting fit to be
of use on board and nowhere else, calling yourself heartily sick of
it, and turning round to say it was my doing."
"I'll never do that, Papa," said poor Sam, unable to understand why
his father should speak as though scolding him.
"No? And mind, you must take the rough with the smooth, if you sail
with me, and not be always running after me, Papa-ing me. I can't
see after you, and should only get you ill will if I tried."
"I had rather go," said Sam.
"I'm sure I don't know what to make of you," said his father, looking
at him in a puzzle. "However, if you do mean to go, you may tell
Freeman to get your things ready to come up with me on Thursday; only
if you don't really like the notion, find out your own mind, and let
me know in time, that's all."
The Captain turned away, and gave a long whistle--an accustomed
signal--that brought children and dogs all rushing and tumbling about
him together, to walk with him about the farm, and his brother among
them; but Sam hung back.
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