In what way was I not quite fair ?" "I don't think you meant to be unfair, Richard; but you see you were a little--just a little--prejudiced against him from the first; because, instead of jumping at your offer to apprentice him to your trade, he said he should like to be a sailor." "Quite enough to prejudice me, too, madam.

Why, there are scores of sons of respectable burgesses of this town who would jump at such an offer; and here this penniless boy turns up his nose at it." "It was foolish, no doubt, Richard; but you see the boy had been reading the lives of admirals and navigators--he was full of life and spirit--and I believe his father had consented to his going to sea." "Full of life and spirit, madam!" the mayor repeated more angrily than before; "let me tell you it is these fellows who are full of life and adventure who come to the gallows.

Naturally I was offended; but as I had given you my word I kept to it.

Every man in Southampton knows that the word of Richard Anthony is as good as his bond.

I bound him apprentice, and what comes of it?
My foreman, Andrew Carson, is knocked flat on his back in the middle of the shop." Mrs.Anthony bit her lips to prevent herself from smiling.
"We will not speak any more about that, Richard," she said; "because, if we did, we should begin to argue.