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" you want to ship on board of the Columbia, lad? Well, I don't know. I've never had quite such a young hand as you, and the trip to Hong Kong is a long one, and, at this time of the year, it may be mighty rough."

"I am willing to take what comes," answered Larry. "I think I am nearly as strong as the average man."

Larry and Captain Ponsberry were standing near the, companion way of the schooner. Luke Striker had just spoken to the captain of Larry's desire, and Hobson had put in a good word, and the skipper had called the youth from his labors.

"He works as good as any of us, cap'n," said Striker. "He's a likely lad, an'—excuse me for a-sayin' of it—but I don't think you can do better."

At this instant the Rev. Martin Wells joined the