l cheap; he would invest his savings in the
purchase of her, sail in his own employ, and try to stifle all vain
regrets by plunging into a more adventurous mode of existence."

So ran George Leicester's thoughts as he made his way back to the
_Industry_.

Meanwhile, Lucy, having given one lover his _conge_ waited with loving
impatience but in vain, for the appearance of the other.

On the following day, the master of the _Industry_ waited upon his
owner, a Mr Winter, and requested his discharge. Mr Winter was both
surprised and chagrined at the news that he was to lose so well-tried
and faithful a servant as George; but, finding our hero inflexible in
his resolution, he could, of course, do nothing but accede to his
request, which he did at last with a very good grace.

"And now," said Mr Winter, when the accounts had all been gone through
and squared up, "since you are quite determined to go your own wilful
way, I suppose I must do what I can to help you. You will go to London,
of course, to look out for this ship that you propose to purchase; and I
will give you a letter to a Mr Roberts, a ship-broker and a friend of
mine, who has an office in Great Saint Helen's. He is pretty sure to
have or to know of something which will suit you; he is a thoroughly
straightforward, honourable man, will do his best to suit you, and will
charge you nothing; the seller is the man who will have to pay him his
commission."

George duly thanked Mr Winter for his kindness, received the letter,
and on the following morning crossed over to Portsmouth, and booked
himself to London on the "Highflyer" coach.

The next day found our hero at an early hour in Leadenhall Street,
seeking for the whereabouts of Great Saint Helen's. A clerk, going in
that direction on his way to business, pointed out the place, and,
turning into the narrow court, George soon found the office of which he
was in search.

Mr Roberts was busy perusing a large pile of papers when his visitor
was shown in, and he begged to be excused for a moment whilst he
completed his task. This was soon done, whereupon Mr Roberts rang two
distinct strokes upon a small hand-bell, and a clerk entered in
response.

"Here, Wilson," said the ship-broker, handing over the pile of papers,
"take these. You will find from the notes I have jotted down upon this
sheet of paper what to do with them. Now, sir," turning to George,
"what can I have the pleasure of doing for you?"