Splice and Mainbrace, to whom I went first, told me to go on down to the docks and join the ship at once, sending a clerk to show me the way, which he did, pointing out this vessel to me and leaving me after saying that I was to go on board by the `gangway,' as he called the plank I walked up by--that is why I am here!" I uttered these last words somewhat sturdily and in a dignified tone, plucking up courage as I proceeded; for, I began to get rather nettled at the man's suspicions about me, his questions apparently having that look and bearing.
"Och, by the powers!" he ejaculated, taking no notice of my dignified demeanour; "yis, an' that's it, is it?
Sure, an' will ye till me now, are ye goin' as a cabin passinger or what, avic ?" "I'm going in the Silver Queen as a first-class apprentice," I answered with greater dignity than ever, glancing down proudly at the smart blue suit I wore, with its shining gilt buttons ornamented with an anchor in relief, which mother and sister Nellie had so much admired the day before, when I had donned it for the first time, besides inspecting me critically that very morning previous to my leaving home, to see that I looked all right--poor mother! dear Nell! "Whe-e-e-up!" whistled my questioner between his teeth, a broad grin overspreading his yet broader face.

"Alannah macree, me poor gossoon! it's pitying ye I am, by me sowl, from the bottom av me heart.

Ye're loike a young bear wid all y'r throubles an' thrials forenenst ye.

Aye, yez have, as sure's me name's Tim Rooney, me darlint!" "Why do you say so, sir ?" I asked--more, however, out of curiosity than alarm, for I thought he was only trying to "take a rise out of me," as the saying goes.

"Why should you pity me ?" "An' is it axin' why, yez are ?" said he, his broad smile expanding into a chuckle and the chuckle growing to a laugh.