'I can rough it, I believe, as well as most young men of my age and previous habits.' 'You need be able to,' said the manager, 'if you go on board ship; but you won't.' 'Why not ?' 'Because there's not a skipper or mate that would think you worth your salt, when he could get a practised hand,' replied the manager; 'and they as plentiful there, as the oysters in the streets.' 'What do you mean ?' asked Nicholas, alarmed by this prediction, and the confident tone in which it had been uttered.

'Men are not born able seamen.

They must be reared, I suppose ?' Mr Vincent Crummles nodded his head.

'They must; but not at your age, or from young gentlemen like you.' There was a pause.

The countenance of Nicholas fell, and he gazed ruefully at the fire.
'Does no other profession occur to you, which a young man of your figure and address could take up easily, and see the world to advantage in ?' asked the manager.
'No,' said Nicholas, shaking his head.
'Why, then, I'll tell you one,' said Mr Crummles, throwing his pipe into the fire, and raising his voice.