ll go into no vessel through Mr Drummond's means or interest,"
replied I.

"What will you do then?" replied he.

"I can always enter on board a man-of-war," replied I, "if the worst
comes to the worst; but if I can serve out my apprenticeship on the
river, I should prefer it."

"I rather expected this answer, Jacob, from what you have said to me
already; and I have been trying if I cannot help you to something which
may suit you. You don't mind being obliged to me?"

"O, no; but promise you will never doubt me--never accuse me." My voice
faltered, and I could say no more.

"No, my lad, that I will not; I know you, as I think, pretty well; and
the heart that feels a false accusation as yours does is sure to guard
against committing what you are so angry at being accused of. Now,
Jacob, listen to me. You know old deaf Stapleton, whose wherry we have
so often pulled up and down the river? I have spoken to him to take you
as his help, and he has consented. Will you like to go? He has served
his time, and has a right to take a 'prentice."

"Yes," replied I, "with pleasure; and with more pleasure, from expecting
to see you often."

"O, I promise you all my custom, Jacob," replied he, laughing. "We'll
often turn old Stapleton out, and have a row together. Is it agreed?"

"It is," replied I; "and many thanks to you."

"Well, then, consider it settled. Stapleton has a very good room, and
all that's requisite on shore, at Fulham. I have seen his place, and I
think you will be comfortable."

I did not know at the time how much Captain Turnbull had been my
friend--that he had made Stapleton take better lodgings, and had made up
the difference to him, besides allowing him a trifle per week, and
promising him a gratuity occasionally, if I were content with my
situation. In a few days I had removed all my clothes to Stapleton's,
had taken my leave of Mr Turnbull, and was established as an apprentice
to a waterman on the Thames. The lighter was still at the wharf when I
left, and my parting with old Tom and his son was equally and sincerely
felt on both sides.

"Jacob," said old Tom, "I likes your pride after all, 'cause why, I
think you have some right to be proud; and the man who only asks fair
play, and no favour always will rise in this world. But look you,
Jacob, there's sometimes a current 'gainst a man that no one can make
head against; and if so be that should be your case for a time,
recollect the o