Him they besought to take charge of the youth, and make a distinguished seaman of him.

He courteously declined.

They then attacked the married Marine--Navy or Army being quite indifferent to them as long as they could win for their brother the badge of one Service, 'When he is a gentleman at once!' they said, like those who see the end of their labours.

Strike basely pretended to second them.

It would have been delightful to him, of course, to have the tailor's son messing at the same table, and claiming him when he pleased with a familiar 'Ah, brother!' and prating of their relationship everywhere.