e their moral elevation, social improvement, and religious
instruction. The rules by which the institution is governed are, as far
as practicable, adapted to meet the habits of all who participate in its
benefits, and to further their best interests. It is conducted on
principles of order, comfort, and liberality; and no restraint is
exercised beyond that which common prudence and mutual interest require.
In the `Home' thus provided; which embraces security, freedom of
action, and social enjoyment, the Directors desire to create and sustain
mutual sympathy, trust, and good-will, and to employ those agencies
which tend most to mature habits of frugality, self-respect, and the
love of God."

Immediately after the appearance of this address, seamen flocked to the
"Home" for lodgings, and those who did so found the place so uncommonly
pleasant that they brought their messmates, so that for months
afterwards not only was every bed taken, but the very stairs and
landings of the building were occupied by men who preferred to sleep
there, and enjoy the advantages of the Institution, rather than go back
to the dens which they had frequented in former days.

On the night when Billy went to the Home it was very full, and he
stumbled over more than one recumbent seaman on the landings before he
reached the hall, where, late though it was, a number of men were
playing chess, draughts, and bagatelle, or reading books and papers.
Here he found Haco Barepoles, as rugged as ever, seated by the fire and
deeply engaged in a copy of the "Pilgrim's Progress."

"Wonderful book; wonderful book!" exclaimed Haco, laying the volume on
the table and scratching his head, as if to stir up the brain inside.
Just then Billy came up.

"Hallo, Haco!"

"Hallo, stranger! You've the advantage of me, lad, for I don't know
ye."

"Yes, ye do."

"Eh! do I? Let me see."

Here the mad skipper scrutinised the lad's face earnestly.

"Well, I _have_ seen ye afore now, but you've 'scaped from me,
youngster."

"I'm Billy, _alias_ the Bu'ster, _alias_ the Cork, _alias_ Gaff--"

"What, Billy Gaff? Dead and come alive again!" cried Haco, springing up
and seizing the youngster's hand.

Having wrung Billy's arm almost off his shoulder, Haco took him up to
his berth, where he made him sit down on the bed and recount all his and
his father's adventures from beginning to end.

When Billy had concluded the narrative, which of course he gave only in
bri