e
purser of the ship went on shore with his despatches, and the ship
anchored to await orders, by the next post, to go up the river.

"Tom," said Bramble, as the vessel anchored, "I cannot quit the ship,
but you may, so just get on shore in one of the boats, and see how
little Bessy is, and poor old Mrs Maddox's leg; and, Tom, take our
dirty linen on shore and bring off clean."

I was glad enough to obey his orders, for I was very anxious to see dear
little Bessy again; so I dropped into a boat that was going on shore for
fresh beef, taking with me two or three little presents for Bessy, out
of the many which I had received when on board, for the officers and men
were very kind to me, and had given me many things which they did not
value, but which I did very much, as they were quite new to me.

The custom officers at Deal were not very particular at that time.

I was not searched, and arrived at the cottage, where I found Bessy
sitting at her needle. She threw down her work and ran to me, and as I
kissed her the tears ran down her cheeks.

"Where is father, Tom? I'm so glad to see you; but where is father?
I've been so frightened, the winter has been so rough."

"He's on board of the Indiaman, but being in charge he cannot come on
ashore, so he sent me."

"Oh! I'm so glad. You have been away so long, and we have had nothing
but gales of wind; and do you know that Williams and Steers are both
drowned?"

"No, indeed, we know nothing; but father will be sorry to hear of it,
for they were friends of his."

"Well, Tom, it's not fair to leave a little girl like me alone here, for
Mrs Maddox has kept her bed ever since you left. Her leg is better,
but she has pains in her limbs, and groans so all night, and here I am
left by myself, to hear her groan and the wind roar."

Here Bessy began to cry, and I to console her as well as I could,
although I did feel that it was hard that such a child should be left so
lonely. The presents I brought her made her wipe away her tears, and
she was very soon as lively and joyous as ever.

"I heard father say, Bessy" (I always called Bramble my father, as he
had said I might), "that he had picked up something this winter, for he
has had none but heavy vessels, and you know pilotage is paid by the
draught of water."

"Well, he may have made money, but I'm sure we haven't spent any to
matter, for I have hardly been once a week to Mrs Maddox for money
since you have gone. S