MAKING A MASTER. 6 



convinced me that no better employment could 

 befall a man than was to be had on ship-board. 

 To the conviction that it was my duty to 

 materially aid in supporting our family, was added 

 youth's longing for change, and the appeal which 

 the wide, free ocean life made to my poetic 

 temperment. To my mother's opposition to the 

 contemplated voyage, I said, " If T don't go now, 

 I shall at some future time," and her consent was 

 finally given. 



One February day I went out of the old home 

 gate a very sad feeling boy. The very squeak of 

 the hinges seemed to be saying good-bye. I was 

 going to join the ship. I was already homesick, 

 but even with that terrible feeling tugging at my 

 heart I did not wish things otherwise. The 

 remembrance of the kind tones and genial manner 

 of the captain I had so many times met on shore 

 was a great comfort to me in my loneliness, a» 

 with misty eyes I looked farewell to every well- 

 known object as I hurried down the familiar 

 streets which led to the wharf. But alas for my 

 hopes of sympathy ! As having reached the ship, 

 I stood ready for my duties at the foot of the 

 stairs leading below, the captain came on board, 

 carrying in his hand a bandanna handkerchief 

 which, with its ends tied together, served as a 

 receptacle for half a dozen fine apples. 



