s) without success, walked in a melancholy and disappointed mood
along the splendid pier which lines the river-side. Few people were
out, for the gusts of wind were accompanied by smart driving showers of
rain. Here and there was to be seen a boat pulling up in shore to fetch
the shipping in the stream, who with a heavy strain on their cables were
riding to the South East gale, and a strong ebb tide. Newton had made
up his mind to enter on board of one of these vessels about to, sail,
provided they would advance him a part of his wages for his father's
support; when, as a heavy squall cleared away, he perceived that a boat
had broken adrift from the outermost vessel (a large brig), with only
one man in it, who was carried away by the rapid current, assisted by
the gale blowing down the river, so as to place him in considerable
risk. The man in the boat tossed out his oar, and pulling first on one
side, and then on the other, tried to make for the shore; but in vain.
He was swept away with a rapidity which threatened in less than an hour
to carry him out to sea, unless assistance were afforded him.

Another heavy squall again hid the boat from the sight of Newton, who
had been anxiously watching to ascertain if any relief was sent from the
shipping, and who was now convinced that the disaster had not been
perceived. He therefore ran down the bank of the river, waiting until
the squall should blow over, and enable him to discover the boat.

In about ten minutes the squall passed over, and the boat was again
presented to his sight; she was still in the centre of the stream, about
three hundred yards from the shore. The man who was in her, finding all
his attempts futile, had lain on his oar, and was kneeling in the stern
sheets, apparently in supplication. Newton could not resist the appeal;
it appeared to point out to him that he was summoned to answer the call
made upon Providence. The boat was now a quarter of a mile farther down
the river than where he stood, and about three miles from the town and
shipping, both of which were no longer discernible from the thickness of
the weather. Newton threw off his coat, and plunging into the agitated
water, the cold of which nearly checked his respiration, swam off into
the stream in a direction so as to allow himself to fetch to windward of
the boat. He was soon carried down to it by the rapidity of the tide,
and, as he approached, he shouted to announce his presence.