me, much at know it was necessary.,,Necessary! (cried he) O Lord, O Lord! I find I must instruct you come along with and I'll give you some information about that matter, So saying, he carried me into an ale- house, where we called for some beer, and bread and cheese, on which we breakfasted. While we sat in this place, he told me I must first go to the navy office, and write to the board, defiring them to order a letter for me to the Surgeon's- hall, that I might he examined touching my skill in surgery 1 Toat the surgeons, after having examined me, would give me my qualifications sealed up in form of a letter, directed to the com miffioners, which qualification I must deliver to the secretary of the board, whe would open it in my presence, and read the contents. After which I must employ my interest to be provided for as soon as poffible That the expence of his qualification for second mate of a third rate, amounted to thirteen shillings, exclufive of the warrant, which cost him half a guinea and half a crown, befides the present to the secretary, which confisted of a three-pound - twelve piece. This calculation was like a thunder balt to me, whose whole fortune did not amount to twelve shillings. I accordingly made him. acquainted with this part of my distress after having thanked him for his information and advice. He condoled me on this occafion; but bade me be of good cheer, for he had conceived a friendship for me, and would make all things easy. He was run out at prefent, but to morrow or next day he was certain of receiving a confiderable fum; of which he would lend me what would be sufficient to answer my exigencies. This frank declaration pleased me so much, that I pulled out my purse and emptied it before him, begging him to take what he pleased for pocket-expence, until he should receive his own money. good deal of preffing he was upon to take five shillings, that he might have what With a prevailed telling me money he wanted at any time for the trouble of going into the city; but as he met with me he would defer his going thither till to morrow, when I should go along with him, and he would put me in a way of acting for myself, without a servile dependence on that rascal Cringer, much less on the lousy taylor to whom 1 heard him turn you over. ,,How, (cried I) is Mr. Staytape a taylor? ,,No lefs, I'll assure you, (answered he) and. I confefs, more likely to serve you, than the member: for, provided you ean entertain him with polities and conundrums, you may have credit with him for as many, and as rich clothes as you please." I told him I was utterly ignorant of both, and so incensed at Cringer's usage, that I would never set foot within his door again. After a good deal more conversation, my new acquaintance and I parted, having made an appointment to meet next day at the same place in order to set out for the city. I went immediately to Strap, and related every thing which had happen |