Could we spare men to send prizes home to
England, and put them into the hands of a rascally agent, who would rob
us of three-fourths at least? No, no; that would never do. If I could
have escaped from the man-of-war which picked up me and four others who
were adrift in an open boat, I would now have been on the Coast. But
when I lost my fin, I knew that all was over with me, so I came to the
hospital; but I often think of old times, and the life of a rover. Now,
if you have any thoughts of going to sea, look out for some vessel bound
to the Gold Coast, and then you'll soon get in the right way."

"The Gold Coast! Is not that to where the slavers go?"

"Yes, slavers and other vessels besides. Some traffic for ivory and
gold-dust; however, that's as may happen. You'd soon find yourself in
good company, and wouldn't that be better than begging here for
halfpence? I would be above _that_, at all events."

This remark, the first of the kind ever made to me, stung me to the
quick. Strange, I had never before considered myself in the light of a
beggar; and yet, was I not so, just as much as a sweeper of a crossing?

"A beggar!" replied I.

"Yes, a beggar. Don't you beg for halfpence, and say, `Thank your
honour; a copper for poor Jack, your honour?'" rejoined Spicer,
mimicking me. "When I see that pretty sister of yours, that looks so
like a real lady, I often thinks to myself, `Fine and smart as you are,
miss, your brother's only a beggar.' Now, would you not like to return
from a cruise with a bag of doubloons to throw into her lap, proving
that you were a gentleman, and above coppers thrown to you out of
charity? Well, old as I am, and maimed, I'd sooner starve where I now
stand.--But I must be off, so good bye, Jack; look sharp after the
halfpence."

As Spicer walked away my young blood boiled. A beggar! It was but too
true; and yet I had never thought it a disgrace before. I sat down on
the steps, and was soon in deep thought. Boat after boat came to the
stairs, and yet I stirred not. Not one halfpenny did I take during the
remainder of that day, for I could not, would not, ask for one. My
pride, hitherto latent, was roused, and before I rose from where I had
been seated I made a resolution that I would earn my livelihood in some
other way. What hurt me most was his observations about Virginia and
her beggar brother. I was so proud of Virginia, I felt that her brother
ought not to be a beggar.