"All the better," the gentleman replied. "We have got fourteen hours
journey before us, and your story will help pass the time; so don't
try to cut it short, but let me have it in full." Ralph thereupon told
the story, which lasted until the coach reached Tunbridge, where it
stopped for the passengers to dine.
"Well, that is an adventure worth going through," the officer, who had
already mentioned that his name was Major Barlow, said; "and it was
well for you, lad, that you possessed good spirits and courage. A man
who is cheerful and willing under difficulties will always make his
way in the world, while one who repines and kicks against his fate
only makes it harder for him. I have no doubt that if, instead of
taking matters coolly when you found yourself on board the privateer
you had fretted and grumbled, you would have been made a drudge and
kicked and cuffed by everyone on board. You would not have had a
chance of landing at that island or of being chosen to make the signal
when they went away, and you would now be leading the life of a dog on
board that brig. Cheerful and willing are two of the great watchwords
of success in life, and certainly you have found it so."
It was eight o'clock when the coach rattled up the streets of Dover.
Major Barlow had already offered Ralph to take him to Colonel Bryant's
quarters, and to ask the colonel to go with him to call on Mrs.
Pages:
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162