I was the lion of the evening. I thought that sort
of thing was only done in civilised, polite England; but I suppose lion
hunters and lion exhibiters are to be found in all parts of the world.
To do Mynheer Von Kniper justice, I must say that he had no hand in the
work. During dinner nothing could be pleasanter or kinder than his
conversation and manner; and certainly I had reason to believe that he
wished me well. At length people got weary of hearing me roar, and all
had had a look at the wonderful common sailor, and so the skipper seemed
to think that it was time to be off; but our host would not allow us,
and insisted that after the rest of the guests were gone, we should stop
to have some supper. During the meal, Mynheer Von Kniper introduced the
subject of drawing, and telling me that he longed to have all the scenes
of whale catching and killing fully illustrated, asked if I would
undertake to do a set of drawings for him on that subject. I could not
refuse to do as he wished, after all the civilities he had shown me; so
I told him that I should be very happy; but he then gently hinted that
he wished me to undertake the task as a regular commission, and he
begged that I would put what price I thought fit on my productions. I
have made up my mind, at all events, to do them. I think every man has
a perfect right to make a profit of his talents, especially if he
requires money. I do not. I have now got a profession--a right noble
one too! I am now a more independent man than had I been toiling on for
years at a desk, or dancing attendance in some great man's ante-chamber
for some of the patronage he may have to bestow. You think that I have
benefited you by teaching you to read and write. Now, in reality, I
have merely given you the implements of a trade--the means of gaining
knowledge. You have given me knowledge--you have taught me a trade
itself. Therefore, Williams, you see that I am still your debtor."

For some time he talked on in this strain. I clearly saw that he was
pleased with the attention shown him, in spite of his belief to the
contrary. I would not for one moment exhibit Newman as an example, or
hold him up as a fine character. He had very great faults and many
weaknesses. I do not know that he had strength of character. He had an
independent spirit in some respects, a clear perception, and
considerable talent. His greatly superior education raised him much
above the associates am