I know my time for skirmshander -LRB- chaff -RRB- is over , and I must steer a straighter course ; but do n't you fear , Jack ashore is a very different craft from what he is with blue water under his keel . I had a long talk with Uncle last night and got my orders ; I wo n't forget 'em nor all I owe him . As for you , I 'll name my first ship as I say , and have your bust for the figurehead , see if I do n't , ' and Emil gave his aunt a hearty kiss to seal the vow , which proceeding much amused Nat , playing softly in the porch of the Dovecote . ` You do me proud , Captain . But , dear , I want to say one thing and then I 'm done ; for you do n't need much advice of mine after my good man has spoken . I read somewhere that every inch of rope used in the British Navy has a strand of red in it , so that wherever a bit of it is found it is known . That is the text of my little sermon to you . Virtue , which means honour , honesty , courage , and all that makes character , is the red thread that marks a good man wherever he is . Keep that always and everywhere , so that even if wrecked by misfortune , that sign shall still be found and recognized . Yours is a rough life , and your mates not all we could wish , but you can be a gentleman in the true sense of the word ; and no matter what happens to your body , keep your soul clean , your heart true to those who love you , and do your duty to the end . ' As she spoke Emil had risen and stood listening with his cap off and a grave , bright look as if taking orders from a superior officer ; when she ended , he answered briefly , but heartily : ` Please God , I will ! ' ` That 's all ; I have little fear for you , but one never knows when or how the weak moment may come , and sometimes a chance word helps us , as so many my dear mother spoke come back to me now for my own comfort and the guidance of my boys , ' said Mrs Jo , rising ; for the words had been said and no more were needed . ` I 've stored 'em up and know where to find 'em when wanted . Often and often in my watch I 've seen old Plum , and heard you and Uncle talking so plainly , I 'd have sworn I was here . It is a rough life , Aunty , but a wholesome one if a fellow loves it as I do , and has an anchor to windward as I have . Do n't worry about me , and I 'll come home next year with a chest of tea that will cheer your heart and give you ideas enough for a dozen novels . Going below ? All right , steady in the gangway ! I 'll be along by the time you 've got out the cake-box . Last chance for a good old lunch ashore . '
Mrs XXXXX descended laughing , and Emil finished his ship whistling cheerfully , neither dreaming when and where this little chat on the house-top would return to the memory of one of them .
Captain Emil Jack Jo Nat Navy first night right skirmshander