my mother
declined to come North without him.

After this we awaited with feverish impatience the weekly news that came
to us from the South. The next letter advised us that my parents were
well, and that the sickness, so far, had not penetrated to the faubourg,
or district, where they lived. The following week brought less cheering
tidings. My father's business, in consequence of the flight of the other
partners, would keep him in the city beyond the period he had mentioned.
The family had moved to Pass Christian, a favorite watering-place on
Lake Pontchartrain, near New Orleans, where he was able to spend part of
each week. So the return North was postponed indefinitely.

It was now that the old longing to see my parents came back to me with
irresistible force. I knew my grandfather would not listen to the
idea of my going to New Orleans at such a dangerous time, since he had
opposed the journey so strongly when the same objection did not exist.
But I determined to go nevertheless.

I think I have mentioned the fact that all the male members of our
family, on my father's side--as far back as the Middle Ages--have
exhibited in early youth a decided talent for running away. It was an
hereditary talent. It ran in the blood to run away. I do not pretend to
explain the peculiarity. I simply admit it.

It was not my fate to change the prescribed order of things. I, too, was
to run away, thereby proving, if any proof were needed, that I was the
grandson of my grandfather. I do not hold myself responsible for the
step any more than I do for the shape of my nose, which is said to be a
facsimile of Captain Nutter's.

I have frequently noticed how circumstances conspire to help a man, or
a boy, when he has thoroughly resolved on doing a thing. That very week
the Rivermouth Barnacle printed an advertisement that seemed to have
been written on purpose for me. It read as follows:

WANTED. A Few Able-bodied Seamen and a Cabin-Boy, for the ship Rawlings,
now loading for New Orleans at Johnson's Wharf, Boston. Apply in person,
within four days, at the office of Messrs.--& Co., or on board the Ship.

How I was to get to New Orleans with only $4.62 was a question that had
been bothering me. This advertisement made it as clear as day. I would
go as cabin-boy.

I had taken Pepper into my confidence again; I had told him the story
of my love for Miss Glentworth, with all its harrowing details; and now
conceived it judicious to con