I 've seen him knock a fellow down with a belaying pin , and could n't lend a hand . Better luck now , I hope . ' And Emil frowned as if he already trod the quarter-deck , lord of all he surveyed . ` Do n't get into trouble , for even Uncle Herman 's favour wo n't cover insubordination , you know . You have proved yourself a good sailor ; now be a good officer , which is a harder thing , I fancy . It takes a fine character to rule justly and kindly ; you will have to put by your boyish ways and remember your dignity . That will be excellent training for you , Emil , and sober you down a bit . No more skylarking except here , so mind your ways , and do honour to your buttons , ' said Mrs Jo , tapping one of the very bright brass ones that ornamented the new suit Emil was so proud of . ` I 'll do my best . 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 XXXXX , rising ; for the words had been said and no more were needed .
Captain Dovecote Emil Jack Jo Nat Navy chaff quarter-deck skirmshander