And there was Mr. Rose's light still burning in the
library window; and he was leaving the school and those who had been
with him there so long, in the dark night, by stealth, penniless and
broken-hearted, with the shameful character of a thief.
Suddenly Mr. Rose's light moved, and, fearing discovery or interception,
he roused himself from the bitter reverie and fled to Starhaven through
the darkness. There was still a light in the little sailors' tavern;
and, entering, he asked the woman who kept it, "if she knew of any ship
which was going to sail next morning?"
"Why, your'n is, bean't it, Maister Davey!" she asked, turning to a
rough-looking sailor, who sat smoking in the bar.
"Ees," grunted the man.
"Will you take me on board?" said Eric.
"You be a runaway, I'm thinking?"
"Never mind. I'll come as cabin-boy--anything."
The sailor glanced at his striking appearance and neat dress. "Hardly in
the cabun-buoy line I should say."
"Will you take me?" said Eric. "You'll find me strong and willing
enough.
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