DISAPPOINTED. 343 



ttorr. tVio Pauline Hough ton, was very considerably 



It was yet early in the year, and I knew that a 

 passage across the Atlantic would not be unattend- 

 ed with cold weather. My first investment was 

 therefore ir. some warm clothing. This provided 

 I felt more like trusting in Providence for tho 

 balance. 



A day ct me at length, when the barque was to 

 ship hands. I presented myself on her quarter 

 deck, early in the morning ; where I was met by 

 the captain, who told me gruffly that he found he 

 should not need my services, as some other men 

 had been shipped for him, by a friend. I looked 

 up in his face in mute astonishment. It was too 

 bad. I had depended upon his word so entirely, 

 that the possibility of his failing to keep it had 

 never entered my mind. Before I could make 

 any reply to his announcement, he left the vessel. 



Some of the crew, who from my frequent appear- 

 ance on board had gotten to know me, shortly 

 approached to question me as to whether I was 

 shipped. On learning what the captain had said 

 they at once explained the secret of this movement 

 Some dealers in seamen's ready-made clothing, 

 Trho had men on their hands, owing them money, 

 had persuaded the worthy captain tc engage their 

 men, they the slop-dealers retaining, of course, 

 the advance pay they got. While the crew wer* 

 talking to me, the mate came up. 



"Are you shipped, my lad?" he asked. 



