“I will write to him,” said Mr. Easy, mournfully, “but I should have liked to have felt his head first;” and thus was the matter arranged.

The answer from Captain Wilson was, of course, in the affirmative, and he promised that he would treat Jack as his own son.

Our hero mounted his father’s horse, and rode off to Mr. Bonnycastle.

“I am going to sea, Mr. Bonnycastle.”

“The very best thing for you,” replied Mr. Bonnycastle.

Our hero met Dr. Middleton.

“I am going to sea, Dr. Middleton.”

“The very best thing for you,” replied the Doctor.

“I am going to sea, mother,” said John.

“To sea, John, to sea? no, no, dear John, you are not going to sea,” replied Mrs. Easy, with horror.

“Yes, I am; father has agreed, and says he will obtain your consent.”

“My consent! Oh, my dear, dear boy!”—and Mrs. Easy wept bitterly, as Rachel mourning for her children.