my long services, and the governors will not
refuse me such a slight favour; should they, I will charge myself with
him, that he may not lose his precious time. What sayest thou, Jacob,
dost thou feel inclined to return to thy father Thames?"

I replied in the affirmative, for the recollections of my former life
were those of independence and activity.

"Thou hast decided well, Jacob--the tailor at his needle, the shoemaker
at his last, the serving boy to an exacting mistress, and all those
apprenticed to the various trades, have no time for improvement; but
afloat there are moments of quiet and peace--the still night for
reflection, the watch for meditation; and even the adverse wind or tide
leaves moments of leisure which may be employed to advantage. Then wilt
thou call to mind the stores of learning which I have laid up in thy
garner, and wilt add to them by perseverance and industry. Thou hast
yet six months to profit by, and, with the blessing of God, those six
months shall not be thrown away."

Mr Drummond having received my consent to be bound apprentice, wished
me farewell, and departed. During the six months the Dominie pressed me
hard, almost too hard, but I worked for _love_, and to please him I was
most diligent. At last the time had flown away, the six months had more
than expired, and Mr Drummond made his appearance, with a servant
carrying a bundle under his arm. I slipped off my pepper-and-salt, my
yellows and badge, dressed myself in a neat blue jacket and trousers,
and with many exhortations from the Dominie, and kind wishes from the
matron, I bade farewell to them and to the charity-school, and in an
hour was once more under the roof of the kind Mrs Drummond.

But how different were my sensations to those which oppressed me when I
had before entered. I was no longer a little savage, uneducated and
confused in my ideas. On the contrary, I was full of imagination,
confident in myself, and in my own powers, cultivated in mind, and proud
of my success. The finer feelings of my nature had been called into
play. I felt gratitude, humility, and love, at the same time that I was
aware of my own capabilities. In person I had much improved, as well as
much increased in stature. I walked confident and elastic, joying in
the world, hoping, anticipating, and kindly disposed towards my
fellow-creatures. I knew, I felt my improvement, my total change of
character, and it was with sparkling eyes tha