or utter them with more effect than others; but merely
to account for my absence of mind and evident air of
abstraction. I know my days are numbered, and in the
nature of things, that those that are left, cannot be
many.

"Pardon me, therefore, I pray you, my friend; make
allowances for an old man, unaccustomed to leave home,
and uncertain whether he shall ever be permitted to return
to it. I feel deeply and sensibly your kindness in
soliciting my company on this tour, and will endeavour
so to regulate my feelings as not to make you regret your
invitation. I shall not again recur to these topics, or
trouble you with any further reflections 'on Home and
the Sea.'"




CHAPTER V.

T'OTHER EEND OF THE GUN.

"Squire," said Mr. Hopewell, one morning when we were
alone on the quarter-deck, "sit down by me, if you please.
I wish to have a little private conversation with you.
I am a good deal concerned about Sam. I never liked this
appointment he has received: neither his education, his
habits, nor his manners have qualified him for it. He is
fitted for a trader and for nothing else. He looks upon