t the conclusion, he had the
satisfaction of finding that he had obtained the very situation which he
had been in search of.

"I have no second mate on board," observed the captain of the brig; "but
I intended to have shipped one to-morrow. I was only divided between
which to take of two who have offered themselves, with equally good
recommendations. Fortunately, I would promise neither; and, as I think
your own recommendation stronger than theirs, the berth is at your
service. I only wish, for your sake, that it was that of first-mate. I
am sure you would prove yourself fit for the situation; and I cannot say
that I am very partial to the one that I have at present; but he is a
relation of the owner's."

The arrangements were soon made. Mr Berecroft, the master of the
vessel, advanced Newton a sum to fit himself out, and agreed with the
owner at Liverpool, that one half of Newton's wages should be allotted
monthly to his father. The next morning (as the vessel had a pilot on
board, and the weather had moderated,) Newton took leave of his father,
and with a light heart accompanied his new acquaintance on board of the
vessel.

It was early in the morning when they embarked in a hired boat, the one
belonging to the brig still remaining down the river, where they had
landed. The first-mate, as it appeared, was in the cabin shaving
himself, previous to his going on shore to the owner to report the
supposed loss of his superior. The sailors were either busy or down
below, so that no notice was taken of the boat coming alongside; and
Newton, with the master, were both on the deck before the circumstance
was known to the first-mate. It so happened, that at the very same
moment that they came on board, the first-mate was ascending the
companion hatch, to order a boat to be lowered down, and manned. When
he perceived Mr Berecroft, he fell back with astonishment, and turned
pale.

"I thought you were gone," said he: "why, what could have saved you? did
you not drift out to sea?"

"It appears, then, Mr Jackson, that you knew that I was adrift,"
replied the master seriously, looking him steadfastly in the face.

"That is,"--replied the mate, confused--"I thought--of course, seeing
the boat was not alongside--that you had drifted away in her; how it
happened--of course, I know not."

"I should trust, for your conscience sake, Mr Jackson, that you did
not; however, here I am again, as you see, by the blessing of
P