urage returning somewhat, I added; 'but I would like to get
honest work, sir.'

"'Come with me, then,' said he, 'and I will see what can be done. But
first you must have some food.'

"With that he bade me follow him, and in a few minutes we were opposite
a coffee-house frequented by people engaged at the docks. Pushing me in
front of him, he told the landlord of the place to give me all the food
I could eat, and said he would return for me in the evening.

"'Certainly, Mr. Bent,' said the landlord, who, by the way he bowed and
scraped, seemed to be much impressed by the condescension of the old
gentleman in entering such a humble place, and then, bowing my kind
friend out, he took me to a table and bade a young woman attendant give
me a good meal.

"'You are in luck, my lad,' he said to me, 'for that is Mr. Robert Bent,
one of the richest gentlemen in London, and a great shipowner.'

"I remained at the coffee-house all day, and in the evening a hackney
coach drove up, and the old gentleman, accompanied by a younger man
of very commanding presence, came into the room where I was seated
anxiously awaiting him.

"'Well, my lad,' said he, 'here you are. Now, I must tell you that I
know Sir John Latham well, and, indeed, have just left him, for he is
now in London. He has confirmed your story to me, and says that your
father is a good, honest man, who, although he loves you very much,
would rather that you did not return to Aylesbury with the memory of
your disgrace still fresh in his mind. So this is what I now offer you.
This gentleman here is Captain Duck, the master of a ship of mine which
is leaving Gravesend in a day or two for the South Seas. He is willing
to take you with him and try to make a man and a seaman of you. What do
you say to it?'

"What else could I say but thank him warmly for his kindness, and
promise I would try hard to do my duty and win my father's forgiveness?

"'Very good,' said he; 'and now I will leave you in the care of Captain
Duck. He will buy you all that is necessary for the voyage, and I
shall write to your father by Sir John Latham and tell him you are well
bestowed with my good friend here. So goodbye, my lad, and do your duty
like a man.'

"Then he shook my hand, and turning to his companion said--

"'Goodbye, Duck. Remember that whales as well as prizes must be sought
after you double Cape Horn, and that I rely upon your good judgment
not to engage an enemy's ship if you thi