Would you like to take it ?" "Yes, sir," answered Archie; "but--but"-- "But what ?" inquired the captain.
"I don't like to be separated from my cousin.

We shipped together, and I should like to remain with him as long as possible." "Oh, as to that," said the captain, "you can't expect to be together long; there is no certainty that you will be ordered to the same ship.

You might as well separate one time as another.

I think you had better accept this position." "I should like to speak with my cousin before I decide, sir." "Very well; look alive, and don't keep me waiting." Archie touched his hat, and hurried below.
"What did he want with you ?" inquired Frank, who was sitting with Simpson on their mess-chest.
Archie told his story, and ended by saying: "I don't believe I'll take it; for I don't want to leave you." "You're foolish," said Simpson; for, as the captain said, you can't expect to remain together a great while.

To-morrow one of you may be ordered to a vessel in the Cumberland River, and the other to the lower fleet.