Why, you don't look more than eighteen; besides, you don't look like a carpenter." "I am a mill wright," Reuben said, "and am capable of doing any ordinary jobs, either in carpentering or smith work.

I have testimonials here from my late employers." "Well, you can see the captain, if you like," the mate said.

"You will find him at Mr.Thompson's office, in Tower Street, Number 51." Reuben at once made his way to the office.

The captain refused, at first, to entertain the application on the ground of his youth; but ship's carpenters were scarce, the time was short, and there was a difficulty in obtaining men for convict ships.

Therefore, after reading the very warm testimonial as to character and ability which Mr.Penfold had given Reuben, he agreed to take him, on the terms of his working his passage.
Reuben went back at once, to the inn where he had stopped, and had his chest taken down to the docks; and went on board the Paramatta which, at high water, warped out of dock into the stream..