aduct in those days, and it had to be done. GOD did wonderfully help
me, and in due time I reached Cheapside, turned into the by-street in
which the office was found, and sat down much exhausted on the steps
leading to the first floor, which was my destination. I felt my position
to be a little peculiar--sitting there on the steps, so evidently
spent--and the gentlemen who rushed up and downstairs looked at me with
an inquiring gaze. After a little rest, however, and a further season of
prayer, I succeeded in climbing the staircase, and to my comfort found
in the office the clerk with whom I had hitherto dealt in the matter.
Seeing me looking pale and exhausted, he kindly inquired as to my
health, and I told him that I had had a serious illness, and was ordered
to the country, but thought it well to call first, and make further
inquiry, lest there should have been any mistake about the mate having
run off to the gold diggings. "Oh," he said, "I am so glad you have
come, for it turns out that it was an able seaman of the same name that
ran away. The mate is still on board; the ship has just reached
Gravesend, and will be up very soon. I shall be glad to give you the
half-pay up to date, for doubtless it will reach his wife more safely
through you. We all know what temptations beset the men when they arrive
at home after a voyage."

Before, however, giving me the sum of money, he insisted upon my coming
inside and sharing his lunch. I felt it was the LORD indeed who was
providing for me, and accepted his offer with thankfulness. When I was
refreshed and rested, he gave me a sheet of paper to write a few lines
to the wife, telling her of the circumstances. On my way back I procured
in Cheapside a money order for the balance due to her, and posted it;
and returning home again, felt myself now quite justified in taking an
omnibus as far as it would serve me.

Very much better the next morning, after seeing to some little matters
that I had to settle, I made my way to the surgery of the doctor who had
attended me, feeling that, although my uncle was prepared to pay the
bill, it was right for me, now that I had some money in hand, to ask for
the account myself. The kind surgeon refused to allow me, as a medical
student, to pay anything for his attendance: but he had supplied me with
quinine, which he allowed me to pay for to the extent of eight
shillings. When that was settled, I saw that the sum left was just
sufficient to t