e has come back to board with me." I was too polite to deny it, but
it was an infernal lie, all the same.

I could not find a ship just then ready for Mobile. Having nothing to
do, I would frequently sit in the back-room of the public-house.
Everything was so cosy there! A bright fire in the grate made the room
quite cheerful. The proprietor and his wife were a fine-looking and
well-educated couple, always pleasant and sociable. Acquaintances were
continually dropping in for a visit, and a pleasant, merry time it was
for all. One of their friends was a young woman, about twenty years old,
with large brown eyes, always good-natured and pleasant. She was known
as Pretty Jennie Bell, and was, beyond all question, the belle of the
neighbourhood. She was married, but had left her husband on account of
his brutality. Nothing could be said against her character. It was then
Christmas-time. I was sitting in a chair watching the fire and thinking
of home. Every one in the room was laughing and looking at me. I raised
up my head, and saw a branch of mistletoe held over my head. Turning
around, I saw that "Pretty Jennie Bell" was the person who held it in
her hand. She started to run, but I very quickly caught her, and got the
kiss to which I was entitled. All the rest in the house must have a mug
of beer for the kiss that I had won. Such a happy time we had that
evening! Jennie and I had fallen in love with each other.

I had met an old shipmate in Cardiff, who was the first mate of an
American bark. He recommended me to the captain, and I obtained the
position of second mate. I felt quite proud then. It was arranged
between Jennie and me that I should make a voyage, and in the meantime
she would obtain a divorce; we would then get married and go to New
York. Our voyage was for Matanzas, Cuba, with a cargo of coal. A couple
of nights before we were to go, it was my turn to remain on the vessel.
The captain and mate were on shore. As I sat in the cabin reading a book
for pastime, I heard my name called. Jennie had come down to the dock
alone to see me. I went ashore, and asked her if she was not afraid to
come to such a dangerous place on a dark night. In an instant her arms
were around my neck. "George, don't leave me," was all she said. That
settled the business! I helped her on board the vessel, and took her
into the cabin. We sat there talking to each other until after midnight.
The mate then returned. I told him to get anothe