same reason which I had; for his spirit, like mine, could not brook
the treatment which he received. I allowed him to finish his
narrative, and then made myself known to him.

You may imagine the scene, and the delight of the poor fellow, who, as
he encircled me in his arms, clinging to me with the tears of joy on
his cheeks, told me that his great object had been to find me out, and
that although he had no idea what had become of me, he thought it
most likely that I had taken to a seafaring life.

I now felt certain that Providence had specially interposed in this
business, and had, for its own good reasons, created those unusual
feelings of interest which I described to you, that I might be the
saviour of my brother; and most grateful was I, I can assure you. I
had now a companion and friend, one to love and to cherish. I was no
longer alone in the world, and I do not know when I had felt so happy
for a long while.

I left my brother below in the cabin, and went on deck to acquaint the
officers with this strange meeting. The intelligence soon ran through
the vessel, and of course the poor shipwrecked boy became an object of
unusual interest. That whole day I was interrogating and receiving
intelligence from him relative to our family. I made him describe his
sisters and every member of it, even the servants and our neighbours
were not forgotten, and for the first time since I had quitted home, I
knew what had occurred during the six years of my absence. From the
accounts he gave me, I certainly had no inclination ever to return as
long as certain parties were in existence; and my brother declared
that nothing but force should ever induce him. The more I talked with
him, the more I was pleased with him. He appeared of a frank, noble
disposition, full of honour and high sentiments, winning in his
manners, and mirthful to excess. Indeed his handsome countenance
implied and expressed as much, and it did not deceive.

I hardly need say that he took up his quarters in my cabin, and having
procured for him more suitable apparel, he looked what he was, the
perfect young gentleman. He was soon a general favourite on board, not
only with the officers but with the men. One would have thought that
the danger and distress we had found him in would have sickened him
for the sea for ever; but it was quite the contrary. He delighted in
his profession, and was certainly born to be a sailor. I asked him
what he felt when he had re