I saw him from the mizen topsail yard, and knew him well. He
shook the captain by the hand, and went down into the cabin, and in
a few moments came up and inquired of the mate for me. The last time I
had seen him, I was in the uniform of an undergraduate of Harvard
College, and now, to his astonishment, there came down from aloft a
"rough alley" looking fellow, with duck trowsers and red shirt, long
hair, and face burnt as black as an Indian's. He shook me by the hand,
congratulated me upon my return and my appearance of health and
strength, and said my friends were all well. I thanked him for telling
me what I should not have dared to ask; and if-
---"the first bringer of unwelcome news
Hath but a losing office; and his tongue
Sounds ever after like a sullen bell-"
certainly I shall ever remember this man and his words with pleasure.
The captain went up to town in the boat with Mr. H--, and left us
to pass another night on board ship, and to come up with the morning's
tide under command of the pilot.
So much did we feel ourselves to be already at home, in
anticipation, that our plain supper of hard bread and salt beef was
barely touched; and many on board, to whom this was the first
voyage, could scarcely sleep.
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