own.

As we became more intimate, the seamen, who were glad to talk, from
weariness of confinement, asked us many questions. We said that we had
deserted from a man-of-war, and then a hundred questions were asked us
as to our treatment. I allowed Bob Cross to be spokesman, and his
replies were very sensible. He told them that all depended upon what
sort of captains and first lieutenants were on board; that he had been
pressed twice: the first time he was comfortable enough, and made 200
pounds prize-money in eight months; but in the last man-of-war he was
very uncomfortable, and had therefore cut and run. Altogether, he made
the service appear much more favourable than they supposed, although the
crimp, who had stood by, did all he could to persuade the men to the
contrary.

We remained in this house for more than a week, and then declared that
we had no more money, and must find a ship. The crimp said that he had
a berth for one of us as second mate of a brig, and I agreed to take it,
leaving Bob Cross to get a berth for himself as soon as he could. As I
raid up, there was no demand upon the owners of the vessel, and it was
arranged that I should be down at a certain wharf at three o'clock in
the morning, when I should find a boat waiting for me. I waited up with
Bob Cross until the clock had struck two, and then the crimp let me out.
He did not offer to go down with me, as he had no money to receive;
and, as it was pitch-dark, there was little chance of my being picked up
by a press-gang at that hour. I wished Cross good-bye, and set off for
Plymouth Dock with my bundle on my stick.

Not knowing where to go at such an hour, I walked about to see if I
could perceive a light in any house: I did so at last through the chinks
of the shutters of a small ale-house, and tapped at the door; it was
opened, I was ushered in, and the door closed immediately upon me. I
found myself in the presence of several marines with their side-arms,
and seamen with cutlasses. An officer started up from his seat, and
collaring me said, "You're just the fellow we want. We're in luck
to-night." In fact, I was in the hands of a press-gang, and I was
pressed myself.

"Yes, he'll do: he'll make a capital maintop-man," said a midshipman,
getting up and surveying me.

I looked at him, and perceived my old acquaintance Mr Tommy Dott, grown
a great deal taller; I perceived that he did not recognise me. "But,
sir," said I to the offi