I PREPARE TO LEAVE. 247 



escape from bondage. During my ramble about 

 the shore, and while considering as to the best 

 method of getting on board to ask the captain for 

 a passage, I was so fortunate as to meet him. A 

 native of whom I had asked some particulars con- 

 cerning the vessel, pointed him out to me. I a 

 once addressed him, stating my wishes, and also 

 the fact that I was a merchant sailor, and would 

 endeavor to make myself of use to him. 



He answered me in tolerable English, that he 

 wanted a hand, but that he feared I would not 

 care to come with him, when I once knew the 

 manner in which his crew lived. 



" We are used to our country fashion of having 

 only two meals per day ; and bread is something 

 entirely unknown to us." 



I answered, that I thought myself able to sub- 

 sist on that which supported life in others, and 

 would be very glad of a chance to try it at any 

 rate. 



" Well," said he, " we shall sail to-night, and if 

 you can get aboard during the night I will take 

 you with me, although I fear I shall get myself in 

 trouble with your captain by it." 



Much rejoiced at my unexpected success, I re- 

 turned on board about noon to get my dinner, and 

 took that occasion to put on two suits of clothing, 

 and place my peajacket and some other little arti- 

 cles in a bundle, and with this, as trade, had nrjr 

 self set ashors again, determining to sttty, and go 



