's defense of Acre against Bonaparte, or anything else which
had subsequently occurred; so that as soon as Bramble had taken charge,
and put the ship's head the right course (for the wind was fair), there
was no end to question and answer, And while Bramble was questioned by
the captain and passengers, I was attacked by the midshipmen or
guinea-pigs, as they are called. Having a fair wind, we ran right for
the Downs, where we arrived on the morning of the second day. Here the
purser of the ship went on shore with his dispatches, and the ship
anchored to await orders, by the next post, to go up the river.

[Illustration: JACK HEAVING THE LEAD.--Marryat, Vol X., p. 245.]

"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
shore, 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 suc