Archibald Hughson, the Young Shetlander | Page 5

we fall in with a homeward-bound ship, I shall put you on board. If not,
see how you behave yourself. Had your mother asked me to take you I
would have done so, and you would have come in for a share of profits;
but you have done more wrong to her than you have to me; and though
I might flog you, as you deserve, I shall let your own conscience punish
you. I hope you have got one, which will make you mourn for your
fault. Now go for'ard. You must not eat the bread of idleness, and Mr
Scollay will put you to some work or other. I must speak to you again
about this, and let me see, as you have chosen to come on board, that
you do your best to learn your duty."
Archy's conscience was not aroused. He went forward, well pleased at
having, as he thought, got off so cheaply; yet he did not feel at his ease.
He looked, indeed, very pale and sick, and miserable. Old Andrew's
kind heart was touched, as he remarked his woe-begone appearance. He
took him below, and got the steward to give him some food. He then
sent him to wash himself.
"I must see about rigging you out," he said. "The clothes you have on
are not fit for the work you will have to do."
Archy felt grateful to old Andrew, and thanked him warmly.
"Don't speak about that, boy," remarked Andrew. "It's not that you
deserve what I may do for you; but you are poor, and helpless, and
wretched, and that's just the state man was in when Christ came down
from heaven to help him; and so I have a notion that it becomes His
disciples, who desire to be like Him, to assist the helpless and
miserable."

The crew generally did not treat Archy as kindly as old Andrew had
done. They attacked him, as soon as he got among them, with all sorts
of questions, laughing and jeering at his folly. No one laughed at him
more than Max Inkster. Archy felt inclined to retort, but he
remembered his promise to Max, and gave him no sign of recognition,
he was treated as one of the ship's boys, and was put to do all sorts of
drudgery and dirty work. Often and often he wished that he had
remained at home, to look after his mother's farm, and help Maggie in
attending to her.
Several days passed by--Archy was beginning to find himself at home
among the crew--Max at length spoke to him as if to a stranger.
"We must make a sailor of you, boy, as you have chosen to come to
sea," he said, when the order had just been given to reef topsails. "Lay
out on the yard with me, and I'll show you what to do."
Archy had several times been aloft, but had never assisted in reefing.
He now followed Max up the rigging. There was a heavy sea running,
and the ship was pitching violently.
"Now, don't be afraid--come out on the yard," said Max. "There--lean
over, and catch hold of those reef points. Cling tight though, with your
knees and elbows, or you will pitch down on deck, and have your
brains dashed out."
Archy did as he was bid. He felt very nervous, though, and was
thankful when he was safe off the yard. It was coming on to blow
harder and harder, and the canvas was still further reduced. Max did not
again invite him to go aloft--none but practised seamen could have
ventured on the yards. At length, all the canvas was taken off the ship,
except a close-reefed main-topsail, when the helm was put down, and
she was hove-to. The wind whistled shrilly through the bare poles and
rigging. It was blowing a perfect hurricane. All around appeared
mountains of heaving water, each succeeding sea threatening to
swallow up the labouring ship. Archy was surprised at the calmness of
the officers and crew, when he expected every moment that one of
those tremendous seas would come on board, and send the ship to the

bottom. He wished that he could pray, as his mother had taught him to
do, but he dared not; yet he trembled at the thought of what would
happen.
Night came on--the gale seemed to increase. He, with all except the
watch on deck, had gone below.
"What, lad, art afraid?" asked Max, who observed his pale countenance.
"You thought a life at sea was all sunshine and calm."
"I have found out what it is, and I wish that I had not been fool enough
to come," answered Archy, with some bitterness.
Max laughed. "Many a lad thinks like you," he said. "They get