s, the captain's coxswain; I was not sure that I should not
advise with them both.

I had made up my mind how to behave to my mother. I knew that she would
never acknowledge the truth, after what had passed between the captain
and her when I was present; but I was resolved that I would let her know
that I was in the secret; and I thought that the reply to me would be a
guide as to the correctness of the fact, which, with all the hastiness
of boyhood, I considered as incontrovertible, although I had not the
least positive proof.

The day that I was to go on board, I requested Miss Culpepper to give me
a sheet of paper, that I might write to my mother; she supplied me very
readily, saying, "You had better let me see if you make any mistake in
your spelling before the letter goes; your mamma will be so pleased if
you write your letter properly." She then went down into the kitchen to
give some orders.

As I had not the slightest intention that she should read what I wrote,
and resolved to have it in the post before she came up again, I was very
concise in my epistle, which was as follows:--

"Dear Mother:--I have found it all out--I am the son of Captain
Delmar, and everyone here knows what you have kept a secret from me.
I go on board to-day.

"Yours truly, P. KEENE."

This was very short, and, it must be admitted, direct to the point. I
could not perhaps have written one which was so calculated to give my
mother uneasiness.

As soon as it was finished, I folded it up, and lighted a taper to seal
it. Old Mrs Culpepper, who was in the room, croaked out, "No, no; you
must show it to Medea." But I paid no attention to her, and having
sealed my letter, put on my hat, and walked out to the post-office. I
dropped it into the box, and, on returning, found Mr Culpepper coming
home, accompanied by Bob Cross, the captain's coxswain, and two of the
boat's crew.

As I presumed, they were sent for me; I joined them immediately, and was
kindly greeted by Bob Cross, who said:--

"Well, Mr Keene, are you all ready for shipping? We've come for your
traps."

"All ready," replied I, "and very glad to go, for I'm tired of staying
on shore doing nothing."

We were soon at the house; the seamen carried away my chest and bedding,
while Bob Cross remained a little while, that I might pay my farewell to
the ladies.

The ceremony was not attended with much regret on either side. Miss
Culpepper could not help asking