CHAPTER VII.
"A very wise man believed that, if a man were permitted to make all the ballads, he need not care who should make the laws of a nation."-- _Fletcher of Saltoun in a letter to the Marquis of Montrose_.
The weather was fair enough, and we went along very steadily and pleasantly that afternoon.

I was undoubtedly getting my sea-legs, which was well for me, as they were put to the test unexpectedly.

I happened to be standing near Alister (we were tarring ropes), when some orders rang out in Mr.Waters' voice, which I found had reference to something to be done to some of the sails.

At last came the words "Away aloft!" which were responded to by a rush of several sailors, who ran and leaped and caught ropes and began climbing the rigging with a nimbleness and dexterity which my own small powers in that line enabled me to appreciate, as I gazed upwards after them.

The next order bore unexpected and far from flattering references to me.
"Hi, there.