Robert Michael Ballantyne

Philosopher Jack Robert Michael Ballantyne

Book Excerpt: ... "I wanted him to get me into the navy, and he wouldn't; and now I want him to get me into the merchant service, and he won't. But I'll go in spite of him.""No, you won't, Watty," said Ben, laying his hand on his friend's shoulder."Yes, Ben, I will," returned little Wilkins, with such an air of determination that every one except Ben laughed."Now, bailie," said the captain, rising, "I'm off. The truth is, I wouldn't have come if it had not been important to let you know at once to get your boy ready; but I had no one to send except Polly, and I wouldn't send her out at night by herself for all the wealth of Indy. Moreover, she wouldn't have let me out to-night for any consideration whatever. She's very strict with me, is my little keeper. I wouldn't for the world she should wake and find me gone. So, good-night all."Ten minutes more, and the guilty man entered his dwelling on tiptoe. In order to get into his hammock with extreme caution he forsook his ancient ...