SEEKING A BERTH. 339 



seamen; and many a poor fellow hab ^Haggled 

 weeks for employment, nearly starving the while, 

 before obtaining even a poor chance. I was deter- 

 mined to return to the United States, and leave 

 British vessels henceforth to British tars. I there- 

 fore immediately proceeded to the St. Katherine'g 

 dock, where most American vessels are found, to 

 inquire for a chance. 



After asking for a berth in quite a number of 

 ships and barques, I at last happened on a barque, 

 some of whose hands had left her. She was not 

 to sail for several weeks, so the mate said. Never- 

 theless, I resolved if possible to engage a place on 

 her, rather waiting some time than losing the 

 Jiance altogether. I accordingly sought out the 

 captain . To my respectful request for employment, 

 he gave a gruff reply, that he was daily, almost 

 hourly, importuned by a parcel of lime-juicers. 



" But I am an American," said I, thinking that 

 with common perspicacity he might have seen this 



"Yes, they all claim to be Americans. And 

 when you once get them" to sea, you can't near 

 yourself speak for their growling." 



"But can you not promise me a chance?"! 

 asked. 



" Do you want to wait three weeks ? ' 



" If I have your promise to ship me, I will cU 

 D willingly." 



" Well, you may wait, I guess," 



u Can't you give me some kind of employment 

 on board meantime ?" 



