"To be sure she will," said a rough-looking personage, who was lolling against the bulwarks smoking a black pipe, and if the young woman's agreeable, I think I know a gentleman who is on the look out for a wife; only he can't afford to waste much time in courting; he's not a bad looking fellow either—in fact," he said, with a knowing wink, "he's as like myself as two peas."
Mary O'Rourke wiped her tears at this information, and the "matrimonial advocate" pleaded so well, that before many days were over, Mary O'Rourke was known by another name.
Rose Blaney now came on deck, but was going below again, on seeing Mick and Hugh in earnest conversation: but Hugh beckoned her to come to them.
"Rose" said Hugh, "so you are going to be married?"
"Yes, Sir," she replied, with a courtesy, blushing and smiling kindly on Hugh.
"Now don't you think, Mick," said Hugh, "if you were to get a situation for Rose somewhere in Melbourne and go into service yourself for a few months, that you would be better prepared for matrimony?"
"Well, Sir," said Mick, "but you always was the kind gentleman, and I do suppose, as we haven't anything to get married on, that must be the way of it; but niver mind Rose, darlin," he said, embracing her, "sure I'll see you often and often."
"And now," said Hugh, "before we part, I have a little account to settle with you both for the work you have done for me on the way out: will a couple of pounds satisfy you?"
"A couple of what, Sir?" exclaimed Mick.
"Two pounds—forty shillings," replied Hugh.
"No," said Mick, disdainfully, "it won't."
"I'm sure I thought I had made you a fair offer," said Hugh
