The Lively Turtle was about to sail on a voyage to Spain, and David was to go in her as mate.

They stood there in the level morning sunshine talking cheerfully; but had you been near enough, you could have seen tears in Anna Matson's blue eyes, for she loved her husband and knew there was always danger on the sea.

And David's bluff, cheery voice trembled a little now and then, for the honest sailor loved his snug home on the Merrimac, with the dear wife and her pretty boys.

But presently the wherry came alongside, and David was just stepping into it, when he turned back to kiss his wife and children once more.
"In with you, man," said Pelatiah Curtis.

"There is no time for kissing and such fooleries when the tide serves." And so they parted.