"Very well," said he. "Go forward about your business, and send
English Ben here to me!"
I went forward with a light heart, but feeling as angry, and as much
contempt as I could well contain between my teeth. English Ben was
sent aft, and in a few moments came forward, looking as though he
had received his sentence to be hung. The captain had told him to
get his things ready to go on board the brig the next morning; and
that I would give him thirty dollars and a suit of clothes. The
hands had "knocked off" for dinner, and were standing about the
forecastle, when Ben came forward and told his story. I could see
plainly that it made a great excitement, and that, unless I
explained the matter to them, the feeling would be turned against
me. Ben was a poor English boy, a stranger in Boston, and without
friends or money; and being an active, willing lad, and a good
sailor for his years, was a general favorite. "Oh, yes!" said the
crew, "the captain has let you off, because you are a gentleman's son,
and have got friends, and know the owners; and taken Ben, because he
is poor, and has got nobody to say a word for him!" I knew that this
was too true to be answered, but I excused myself from any blame,
and told them that I had a right to go home, at all events.
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