When she returned home she found a message there from Tommy
Howard, requesting to see her that afternoon. She did not feel
like spending any more time in idleness, when she had so much
candy to sell; but Tommy's request was not to be neglected; and,
taking her tray, she called at his house as she passed up to the
court.
Tommy had been talking for a year about going to sea, and had
been for some time on the lookout for a chance as a cabin-boy or
a reefer. He had told her his plans, how he intended to be a good
sailor and work his way up to be captain of some fine ship. She
suspected, therefore, that he had found a chance to go to sea,
and wanted to tell her all about it.
She found him at home, waiting her expected visit; but a feeling
of sadness came over her when she saw his manly face, and thought
how badly she should feel if he should go off on the ocean, and,
perhaps, be drowned in its vast depths. He had been her friend
and protector. Johnny Grippen hardly dared to look at her since
the flogging he had given him; and Katy thought, perhaps, if he
went away, that she should have no one to defend her.
"I am going to-morrow, Katy," said he, after he had given her a
seat by the window.
"To sea?" asked Katy, gloomily.
"Yes; I have got a first-rate ship, and she sails to-morrow.
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