that they have time to reflect upon what has passed, to listen to the
words of the Gospel, to hate their former life, and trusting in God's
mercy to secure their salvation. This is the greatest charity of this
institution, and long may it flourish, a blessing to the country which
has endowed it, and to the seamen, who are not only provided for in this
world, but are prepared in it for the next."

Such were continually the style of admonitions given me by this good old
man, and I need not point out to the reader how fortunate it was for me
that I had secured such a preceptor.




CHAPTER FIFTEEN

In which is proved the Truth of the Proverb, "When your own House
is made of Glass, you never should be the first to throw Stones"


One evening, when I went to the shop of the widow St. Felix to purchase
some tobacco for my father, she said, "Why don't your father come
himself, Jack? I want to make his acquaintance, and see how he looks
without his pigtail."

"Why, you never saw him when he had it on," replied I.

"No, that's the truth; but still I wish to have a sight of him: the fact
is, I want to laugh at him."