ruined. I struggled long, but in vain--intemperance was my curse, my
bane, the millstone at my neck, which dragged me down: I had
education, talents, and energy, and at one time, capital, but all
were useless; and thus did I sink down, from captain of a vessel to
mate, from mate to second mate, until I at last found myself a
drunken sailor before the mast. Such is my general history; to-morrow,
I will let you know how, and in what way, your father and I met again,
and what occurred, up to this present time."

But I was too much bewildered and confused with what he had told me,
to allow him to proceed, as he proposed.

"No, no," replied I. "I now recollect all you have said, although I
do not understand. You must first answer my questions, as to the
meaning of words I never heard of before. I cannot understand what
money is, what gaming is, and a great many more things you have
talked about, but I recollect, and can repeat every word that you
have said. To-morrow, I will recall it all over, and you shall tell
me what I cannot make out; after that, you can go on again."

"Very well," replied he, "I don't care how long it takes me to
answer your questions, for I am not very anxious to tell all about
your father and myself."




Chapter VI