CHAPTER III.
IN QUEST OF FORTUNE.
James had so persuaded himself that the sea was his vocation, and was so convinced of the pleasures and advantages it would bring, that it had not occurred to him that his mother would object.
"What made you think of the sea, James ?" his mother asked with a troubled face.
"It was the books I read last year, at the black salter's.

Oh, mother, did you ever read Marryatt's novels, and 'Sinbad the Sailor' ?" "I have read 'Sinbad the Sailor,' but you know that is a fairy story, my son." "It may be, but Marryatt's stories are not.

It must be splendid to travel across the mighty ocean, and see foreign countries." "A sailor doesn't have the chance to see much.

You have no idea of the hardships of his life." "I am used to hardships, and I am not afraid of hard work.

But you seem disappointed, mother.