them, yet it is my wish to dedicate this little work to "The Conway
Boys," and all those connected with that most invaluable institution,
"H.M.S. Conway," lying at Rockferry, Birkenhead.

I have particular reason to speak well of the "Conway," as any "Boy" may
know who may have been on board for the last five or six years, from the
fact that two of my brothers, after passing a successful career under
the careful teaching of the Rev. Henry O'Brien; L.L.D., Cork, continued
to build on the good foundation laid, and left the "Conway" with credit
both to their teachers and themselves. I shall always have pleasure in
meeting with any "Conway Boy," and hearing of the good old ship to which
I wish a long continuance of her success in preparing Boys creditably
for one of the great sources of our national strength and wealth--"Our
Merchant Navy."

I must just add a word of thanks to my friends in Guernsey and
elsewhere, who so kindly encouraged and supported me when publishing on
a former occasion, and whom I see, by reference to the subscription
list, coming forward again--among some new friends--with a repetition of
their kindness.

Montpelier, Guernsey, 1872.




CHAPTER I.


In the year 165-, when Cromwell had gained ascendancy in England and