My Next Voyage

was to Riga, where my knowledge of German was very useful to me. On our return, as the cholera had appeared in Russia, we had to pass a fortnight in quarantine in the Firth of Forth, On our release the captain had to go on shore on business, taking me as one of his boat's crew. When he came back to the boat, late at night, the men were all away drinking in public-houses, so that he and I had to row off to the brig in the darkness, much to his vexation and displeasure. When we got on board I overheard him say to the mate, that whenever the boat was sent on shore I was to be sent in her. I mention this proof of his confidence in me because I think it had some good influence on the whole of my after page 15 life, for, without having any special ability, I have, under Providence, been led to success in filling several appointments of trust both at sea and in public office simply by endeavouring to do the duties of them with faithfulness, and with some amount of zeal, which I would recommend to young men as being the surest way to get on in the world, even when high mental attainments may be wanting. Being then something of a sailor I