For a long time, I was a stow-away aboard His Majesty\u2019s ships. But a few years back, I stopped lurking in the shadows, approached the Captain of one of His frigates, and asked to be added to the rolls of His Majesty\u2019s Fleet.<\/p>\n \u201cAll are welcome,\u201d the Captain said. \u201cOf course, you must swear allegiance to Our King and endeavor to follow His dictates and precepts, \u00a0which will change you from stem to stern. And, of course, you will be required to work in some capacity aboard the ship. Are you up for this laddie?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat is why I am here, sir,\u201d I said with a faltering voice. \u201cI have been a stow-away aboard His Majesty\u2019s ships for years, stealing table scraps, and hiding in the bilge,\u201d I confessed. \u201cI came aboard your particular ship several years ago, and I have been hidden from your attention by one of the crew.\u201d<\/p>\n He laughed heartily, and slapped me on the back and said, \u201cMy good fellow, I\u2019ve known about you all along. You thought you escaped my attention, did you? Why, the entire Fleet knows about you, and all of your mates as well. His Majesty knows each one of those who comprise His ship\u2019s company too, be they on the muster rolls, or not.\u201d<\/p>\n I was amazed at this revelation. Stunned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy, a few days before your arrival here,\u201d he continued, \u201cI received a dispatch from the Captain of the last ship you were a stow-away on. The Packet is quite fast, you see, and flies before the wind, unlike that slug of a brig that brought you to the port where you met up with us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean you knew I have been on board your ship, sir?,\u201d I stammered. I was amazed that I had not been successful in remaining hidden.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, and don\u2019t trouble yourself about it. Now that you are going to be added to the rolls, though, I expect a full days work out of you each and every day. Our Majesty expects everyone to do their duty<\/a> to the utmost of their ability. Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n I knuckled my forehead and said in my most seamanlike voice, \u201cYes sir!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery good, and welcome aboard Seaman Apprentice Weathers. You have much to learn, and much to do, so get on with it.\u201d<\/p>\n And I have been endeavoring to do just that<\/a> ever since.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/_-GKMR8mFGBs\/TJ98TjZUt1I\/AAAAAAAABFA\/Fy-iUwUTiC4\/s1600\/HMS-Surprise.jpg\")
<\/a>Noah built an ark, and Christ built His Church. Hope floats.<\/p>\n