Are you going to put him in the Service?
You have a strong claim, you know, which I am sure the Board would acknowledge." "Do you know, Captain, it is a matter that I have hardly thought of--in fact, I have, for years, been so determined to go out and try and obtain some news of my husband, as soon as Dick was old enough to journey about as my protector, that I have not thought, as I ought to have done, what profession he should follow.

However, he is only fifteen yet, and there will be time enough when he gets back." "If he is to go into the service, the sooner the better, ma'am--one can hardly begin too young.

However, I don't say there are not plenty of good sailors, afloat, who did not enter until a couple of years older than he is--there is no strict rule as to age.
"Only fifteen, is he?
I should have taken him for at least a year older.

However, if you like, Mrs.Holland, I will put him in the way of learning a good deal, during the voyage.

He might as well be doing that as loafing about the deck all day." "Much better, Captain.