was determined to "keep out of trouble." With him "trouble" meant
"prison," and nothing else. Inevitably, surely, certainly, he was drawn
into ways of crime. As water seeks its level, so he gravitated towards
"trouble." To plan and execute an enterprise of robbery was the form of
activity most natural to him. He was hindered by no scruples, schooled
by no experience, tormented by no necessity. When arrested, and not
before, he considered that he was "in trouble." He fretted over his
punishment, but not over his offence.

And yet this was a human being, one not without good traits. He was not,
physically, a coward; on the contrary, he was simply and naturally
fearless. He was kind of heart, gentle to children, and tender to
animals. Under discipline, he was patient and obedient, a model
prisoner, the wardens say. What he could not do was to stand alone and
be a man in the world.

Looking outward, this man was a shrewd and appreciative observer. His
descriptions of natural scenes are vivid. There are few better stories
of the life of a prisoner of war than his, and his characterizations of
men and events are singularly apt. His eyes looked on the seamy side of
life, and saw with clearness when fixed on any one or anything but
himself. The conditions under which common sailors live have rarely
been more vividly described. One can only wonder, while reading his
plain story, told without heat or passion, how any man could follow such
a life as he describes.

The work is without precedent in character. It is fascinating as a life
story and as a study of human nature. It is a contribution to
unconscious literature.

STANLEY WATERLOO.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I.--MY FIRST VOYAGE 1

II.--WHALING IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC 16

III.--A SAILOR ASHORE 32

IV.--I TAKE TO THE SEA AGAIN 46

V.--ON THE BRIG GRENFALLS 57

VI.--THE "FLYING DUTCHMAN" 68

VII.--IN HER MAJESTY'S SERVICE 85

VIII.--THE CAT-O'-NINE-TAILS 101

IX.--THE ESCAPE 115

X.--THE SPORT OF THE WAVES 126

XI.--A GLIMPSE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN 142

X