r refused to advance any more on
Newton's account. Nicholas was thus thrown upon his own resources,
which were as small as they well could be. The crew of the brig, who
quitted her in the boat, were picked up by a homeward-bound vessel, and
brought what was considered the certain intelligence of Jackson and
Newton having perished on the wreck. Nicholas, who had frequently
called at the owner's since his allowance had been stopped, to obtain
tidings of his son, was overwhelmed with the intelligence of his death.
He returned to his own house, and never called there again. Mr
Berecroft, who wished to find him out and relieve him, could not
ascertain in what quarter of the town he resided, and shortly after was
obliged to proceed upon another voyage. Thus was the poor optician left
to his fate; and it is probable that, but for the fortunate return of
Newton, it would soon have been miserably decided.

Newton was much pleased when he learnt from his father that he had not
disposed of the property which he had picked up at sea, for he now felt
assured that he had discovered the owner at Guadaloupe, and intended to
transmit it to Monsieur de Fontanges as soon as he could find a safe
conveyance; but this at present was not practicable. As soon as his
father had been re-established in his several necessaries and comforts,
Newton, aware that his purse would not last for ever, applied to the
owner of the brig for employment; but he was decidedly refused. The
loss of the vessel had soured his temper against any one who had
belonged to her. He replied that he considered Newton to be an unlucky
person, and must decline his sailing in any of his vessels, even if a
vacancy should occur.

To every other application made elsewhere Newton met with the same ill
fortune. Mr Berecroft was not there to recommend or to assist him, and
months passed away in anxious expectation of his patron's return, when
the intelligence was brought home that he had been carried off by the
yellow fever, which that year had been particularly malignant and fatal.
The loss of his only protector was a heavy blow to poor Newton; but he
bore up against his fortune, and redoubled his exertions. As before, he
could always obtain employment before the mast; but this he refused,
knowing that if again impressed, however well he might be off himself,
and however fortunate in prize-money, his father would be left
destitute, and in all probability be starved befo