ing, and, being unsuccessful, had sold his stock, mortgaged his
estate, and incurred very serious debts. The upshot was, that within a
little time all he had was seized, himself imprisoned, and my mother and
myself put into a cottage belonging to the parish, which, being very cold
and damp, was the cause of her catching a fever, which speedily carried
her off. I was then bound apprentice to a farmer, in whose service I
underwent much coarse treatment, cold and hunger.

'After lying in prison near two years, my father was liberated by an Act
for the benefit of insolvent debtors; he was then lost sight of for some
time, at last, however, he made his appearance in the neighbourhood
dressed like a gentleman, and seemingly possessed of plenty of money. He
came to see me, took me into a field, and asked me how I was getting on.
I told him I was dreadfully used, and begged him to take me away with
him; he refused, and told me to be satisfied with my condition, for that
he could do nothing for me. I had a great love for my father, and
likewise a great admiration for him on account of his character as a
boxer, the only character which boys in general regard, so I wished much
to be with him, independently of the dog's life I was leading where I
was; I therefore said if he would not take me with him, I would follow
him; he replied that I must do no such thing, for that if I did, it would
be my ruin. I asked him what he meant, but he made no reply, only saying
that he would go and speak to the farmer. Then taking me with him he
went to the farmer and in a very civil manner said that he understood I
had not been very kindly treated by him, but he hoped that in future I
should be used better. The farmer answered in a surly tone, that I had
been only too well treated, for that I was a worthless young scoundrel;
high words ensued, and the farmer, forgetting the kind of man he had to
deal with, checked him with my grandsire's misfortune, and said he
deserved to be hanged like his father. In a moment my father knocked him
down, and on his getting up gave him a terrible beating, then taking me
by the hand he hastened away; as we were going down a lane he said we
were now both done for: "I don't care a straw for that, father," said I,
"provided I be with you." My father took me to the neighbouring town,
and going into the yard of a small inn, he ordered out a pony and light
cart which belonged to him, then paying his bill, he told m