AM LOCKED UP MYSELF.--FLEMING
PROVES TO ME THAT HIS ADVICE WAS GOOD WHEN HE RECOMMENDED ME TO LEARN TO
SWIM.

On our arrival off the Medway, I had just gone down to bed and was
undressing, when I heard Fleming come on deck and haul up the boat. I
looked up the hatchway; it was very dark, but I could perceive Marables
hand him the bag and handkerchief, with which he pulled on shore. He
did not return until the next morning at daylight, when I met him as he
came up the side. "Well, Jacob," said he, "you've caught me, I've been
on shore to see my sweetheart; but you boys ought to know nothing about
these things. Make the boat fast, there's a good lad."

When we were one night discharging our cargo, which was for government,
I heard voices alongside. From habit, the least noise now awoke me: a
boat striking the side was certain so to do. It was then about twelve
o'clock. I looked up the hatchway, perceived two men come on board and
enter the cabin with packages. They remained there about ten minutes,
and then, escorted to the side by Fleming, left the barge. When the
barge was cleared, we hauled off to return, and in three days were again
alongside of Mr Drummond's wharf. The kindness both of Marables and of
Fleming had been very great. They lived in a style very superior to
what they could be expected to do, and I fared well in consequence.

On our arrival at the wharf, Marables came up to me, and said, "Now,
Jacob, as I have honestly told you the secret, I hope you won't ruin me
by saying a word to Mr Drummond." I had before made up my mind to say
nothing to my master until my suspicions were confirmed, and I therefore
gave my promise; but I had also resolved to impart my suspicions, as
well as what I had seen, to the old Dominie. On the third day after our
arrival I walked out to the school, and acquainted him with all that had
passed, and asked him for his advice.

"Jacob," said he, "thou hast done well, but thou mightest have done
better; hadst thou not given thy promise, which is sacred, I would have
taken thee to Mr Drummond, that thou mightest impart the whole,
instanter. I like it not. Evil deeds are done in darkness. _Noctem
peccatis et fraudibus objice nubem_. Still, as thou sayest, nought is
yet proved. Watch, therefore, Jacob--watch carefully over thy master's
interests, and the interests of society at large. It is thy duty, I may
say, _Vigilare noctesque diesque_. It may be as Marables h