CHAP. v. TRIES TO EMIGRA TE. 81 



and without the means of living. Aberdeen shared 

 in the general depression ; and many persons emi- 

 grated to the United States, where there was a better 

 demand for labour. Edward wished to emigrate too ; 

 but he had no money. He had only a few shillings 

 to spare. But might he not contrive to emigrate as 

 a Stowaway ? 



This course is frequently adopted at the ports from 

 which ships sail for America. A boy gets on board, 

 conceals himself in the hold, and after the ship has 

 got out of sight of land he makes his appearance on 

 deck, usually half-starved. Edward determined to try 

 this method of escaping from Aberdeen, and more 

 especially from his shoemaking trade. He knew 

 one of the sailors on board the ship which he had 

 selected ; and although the sailor was strongly opposed 

 to the project, Edward prevailed upon him to make 

 an opening in the cargo, so as to admit him into a hole 

 near the bow of the ship. Here, amidst some boxes 

 and coils of rope, Edward deposited three dozen bis- 

 cuits and two bottles of water. 



He waited outside, hovering about the quay, until 

 the day of sailing arrived. But the ship did not sail 

 until five days after the advertised time. When the 

 emigrants went on board, Edward went with them. 

 For three days and nights he lay amongst the coils of 

 rope, feeding upon his biscuits and water. On the 

 forenoon of the fifth day he was in his berth ; and 

 just as the vessel was about to be loosed from her 



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