Archibald Hughson, the Young Shetlander | Page 2

advise you to keep away from

a fellow like me," answered Max, looking hard at his young guest. He
was a strongly-built broad-shouldered man, with an unpleasant
expression in his weather-beaten countenance.
"My mother is ill, and did not know I was coming, and I am not going
to be dictated to by Maggie," said Archy.
"That's the right spirit, boy," said Max. "If they suspect what you intend
doing, they will take good care to prevent you."
"I don't intend to let them know," replied Archy. "But I wish mother
was not ill. I am half inclined to stop at home till next season, and then
I'll do what I choose, whatever they may say."
"I see how it is," observed Max, with a sneer on his lips. "You are
beginning to think we lead too hard a life for you, and you would rather
be looking after the cows, and being at the beck and call of mistress
Maggie. I thought you had more spirit. You are afraid--that's the truth
of it."
"No one shall say I am afraid," exclaimed Archy. "I have asked several
captains to take me, but they refused without my mother's leave, and
that she won't give, just because my father and uncle Magnus were lost
at sea, and so she has taken it into her head that I shall be lost also. If
you can help me to go in the `Kate,' I am ready. There's my bundle of
clothes."
"No great stock for a voyage to the Arctic Seas; but we must rig you
out when you get on board," observed Max, taking up Archy's bundle,
and stowing it away in a large seaman's bag which stood in the corner
of the room. "You will have to keep pretty close till we are well clear of
the land, or the captain will be for putting you on shore again. Here,
take a glass of grog, it will help to keep up your courage." Max mixed a
strong glass of whisky and water, and pushed it across the table to
Archy.
Archy's scruples soon vanished. He now only thought of the adventures
he hoped to meet with among the icebergs.

Max had gained his object. From a quarrel which had occurred years
before, he had long harboured an ill-feeling towards the Hughson's; and,
for the purpose of thwarting and annoying Mrs Hughson, he was ready
to encourage Archy in his disobedience to her. When once a person
yields to the suggestions of Satan, he knows not into what crimes he
may be hurried. Those who associate with unprincipled people run a
fearful risk of being led astray by them. Archy, notwithstanding his
mother's warnings, had persisted in visiting Max Inkster, for the sake of
hearing his long yarns of nautical adventure, and he would at first have
been excessively indignant had he been told that he was likely, in
consequence, to be led into any further act of disobedience.
"Did any one see you come in here?" asked Max. "No; Nanny Clousta
was out, and no one was passing at the time," answered Archy.
"Well, then, stay quiet here till dark, and I'll take you on board, and
stow you away in the hold," said Max. "You must remain there till I
give you a signal to come out; but, remember, that you are not to tell
the captain or any one else that I had a hand in helping you. Just say
that you slipped on board in a shore boat, and hid yourself of your own
accord. You will promise me that?"
Archy had not been in the habit of telling falsehoods; but he had
already made one step in the downward course, and though he hesitated,
he at last said, "I promise. I needn't tell that I knew who took me on
board, and I can find my own way below, so there's no necessity to
mention your name."
"That's it," said Max. "You will want some food, though. Here, just fill
your pockets with this bread and cheese." He took some from a
cupboard. "And here is a flask of whisky and water. You may have to
lie hid for a couple of days, or more, may be; so you must manage your
provisions accordingly."
Max went out, and Archy fell asleep, with his head on the table. It was
late at night before his evil councillor returned.
"Rouse up, boy," he whispered. "It's time we were aboard. I have got a

man to take us off, and he will think you belong to the ship. Here,
shoulder my bag, and come along."
Max placed his heavy sea-bag on his young companion's shoulder.
Archy staggered on under it till he reached the boat. The boatman, who
had been paid before, pulled away,