their family
and connexions, put Andrew also on the quarterdeck; and what was the
consequence? Why, they are now both post-captains, commanding fine
frigates: so you see, going on board of a man-of-war, which they
conceived as their ruin, was the means of their rising to rank and
riches, for they have been very lucky in the service. I heard Captain
Archibald tell the story himself one day as I helped at dinner in the
cabin when I was coxswain with Sir Hercules."

"Well, father, that's a good story to the point, but I do not see that I
ever have any chance of being a post-captain."

"Don't seem much like it, certainly; but you've a good chance of being a
pilot."

"Yes, that I certainly have; and a pilot is always respected, go on
board what ship he may."

"To be sure he is, because he is supposed to have more knowledge than
any one on board."

"Then I am contented, father, with the prospect of being respectable; so
there's an end of that business, except that I must write and thank the
captain for his kindness."

"Just so, Tom. Do you dine with me?"

"No, father. I promised to meet Bramble at the `Jolly Sailors.' We are
going up to Mr Wilson's."

"Ay, about the farm he wants to buy. Well, the clock is striking, so
good bye till this evening."

I must explain to the reader that Mr Wilson, having heard of Bramble's
intention to purchase the farm, very kindly interfered.

He had a son who was a solicitor at Dover, and he recommended Bramble
not to appear personally, but let his son manage the affair for him,
which he promised should be done without expense. The next morning
Bramble and I took our leave and quitted Greenwich, taking the coach to
Dover; for Bramble, having a good deal of money in his pocket, thought
it better to do so, than to wait till he could take a ship down the
river. On our arrival at Dover we called upon Mr Wilson's son, who had
already made inquiries, and eventually obtained the farm for Bramble for
two hundred pounds less than he expected to give for it, and, very
handsomely, only charged him for the stamps of the conveyance. When we
arrived at Deal we found Mrs Maddox quite recovered, and sitting with
little Bessy in the parlour below.

After Mrs Maddox and Bessy went upstairs to bed, Bramble said to me, as
he knocked the ashes out of his pipe, "Tom, I've got this farm for Bessy
for two hundred pounds less than I expected to give for it. Now, I've
been thinking about this t