for Petticoat Jack?  Methinks I did.  Hence the vally of a lofty sperrit in the face of difficulties.  An now, young sirs, in after life take warnin by this here vyge.  Never say die.  Don’t give up the ship.  No surrender.  England expects every man to do his dooty.  For him that rises superior to succumstances is terewly great; an by presarvin a magnanumous mind you’ll be able to hold up your heads and smile amid the kerrash of misfortin.  Now look at me.  I affum, solemn, that all the sufferins I’ve suffered have ben for my good; an so this here vyge has eventooated one of the luckiest vyges that you’ve ever had.  An thus,” he concluded, stretching out his venerable hands with the air of one giving a benediction,—­“thus may it be with the vyge of life.  May all its storms end in calms, an funnish matter in the footoor for balmy rettuspect.  Amen!”

It was a close approach to a sermon; and though the words were a little incoherent, yet the tone was solemn, and the intention good.  After this the captain dropped the lofty part of a Mentor, and mingled with the boys as an equal.

This time the voyage passed without any accident.  Before daybreak on the following morning they reached Hillsborough, where Mrs. Watson received them with the utmost joy.  In a few days more the boys had scattered, and Bart arrived home with the story of Tom’s rescue.