s under weigh and with all
canvas set, surrounded by more than a hundred other vessels; the
men-of-war who took charge of the convoy, firing guns and making signals
incessantly. It was a glorious sight, and we were bound for Old
England. I felt so happy, that I thought I would risk the jaws of
another shark to have regained my liberty, and the chance of being once
more on shore in my own country, and able to go to Newcastle and see my
poor mother."

"I am afraid that your miraculous escape did you very little good,
Ready," observed Mrs Seagrave, "if you got over it so soon."

"Indeed, madam, it was not so; that was only the feeling which the first
sight of the vessels under weigh for England produced upon me. I can
honestly say that I was a better and more serious person. The very next
night, when I was in my hammock, I prayed very fervently; and there
happened to be a very good old Scotchman on board, the second mate, who
talked very seriously to me, and pointed out how wonderful had been my
preservation, and I felt it. It was he who first read the Bible with
me, and made me understand it, and, I may say, become fond of it. I did
my duty on our passage home as a seaman before the mast, and the captain
was pleased with me. The ship I was in was bound to Glasgow, and we
parted company with the convoy at North Foreland, and arrived safe in
port. The captain took me to the owners, who paid me fifteen guineas
for my services during the voyage home; and as soon as I received the
money, I set off for Newcastle as fast as I could. I had taken a place
on the outside of the coach, and I entered into conversation with a
gentleman who sat next to me. I soon found out that he belonged to
Newcastle, and I first inquired if Mr Masterman, the ship-builder, was
still alive. He told me that he had been dead about three months. `And
to whom did he leave his money?' I asked, `for he was very rich, and
had no kin.' `He had no relations,' replied the gentleman, `and he left
all his money to build an hospital and almshouses. He had a partner in
his business latterly, and he left the yard and all the stores to him, I
believe, because he did not know whom to leave it to. There was a lad
whom I knew for certain he intended to have adopted and to have made his
heir--a lad of the name of Ready; but he ran away to sea, and has never
been heard of since. It is supposed that he was lost in a prize, for he
was traced so far. Foolis