CHAPTER III 



THE FOUR YOUNG MEN 



If it had been your fortune to live in the year 1752 

 and to be at the London Docks on the morning of 

 the 17th of May, you might have seen a strange and 

 moving sight. You might, indeed, have witnessed 

 the beginning of a great adventure. 



Picture the scene. 



A small schooner lies against the wall, swaying 

 gently with the tide. You can see the name, 

 "Hope," painted on the bow, and "Hope of 

 London " on the stern. Decks are all a-bustle, sails 

 are being shaken loose, busy hands are making 

 ready for the loosing of ropes and casting off of 

 moorings. 



Farewells are being said ; there seems to be a 

 moment of prayer, for heads are bared and rough 

 hands folded. A party of gentlemen and ladies, clad 

 in the garments of the city folk of two hundred years 

 ago, step across from schooner to quay and wave 

 " God-speed " to those on board. The Hope moves 

 slowly down the dock, aided by much hauling of 

 ropes and pushing of boat-hooks, and aided, too, by 

 not a little shouting. 



The schooner glides into the river and the wind 

 fills her sails ; her journey is begun. Look ! A little 

 group of four is gathered on the deck, waving fare- 

 well ; the little knot of city folk stand watching. The 



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