that during the space of three months I was
neither washed, shifted, nor shaved; so that my face, rendered
meagre with abstinence, was obscured with dirt, and overshadowed
with hair, and my whole appearance squalid and even frightful;
when, one day, Strap brought me notice, that there was a man below
who wanted to speak with me. Roused at this intelligence, and in
full hopes of receiving a letter from the dear object of my love,
I ran downstairs with the utmost precipitation. And found to my
infinite surprise my generous uncle, Mr. Bowling! Transported at
the sight, I sprang forward to embrace him. Upon which he started
aside with great agility, drew his hanger, and put himself upon
his guard, crying, "Avast, brother, avast! Sheer off. Yo ho! you
turnkey, why don't you keep a better look out? Here's one of your
crazy prisoners broke from his lashings, I suppose." I could not
help laughing heartily at his mistake; but this I soon rectified
by my voice, which he instantly recollected, and shook me by the
hand with great affection, testifying his concern at seeing me in
such a miserable condition.
I conducted him to my apartment, where, in presence of Strap,
whom I introduced to him as one of my best friends, he gave me
to understand, that he was just arrived from the Coast Of Guinea,
after having made a pretty successful voyage, in which he had acted
as mate, until the ship was attacked by a French privateer, that
the captain being killed during the engagement, he had taken the
command, and was so fortunate as to sink the enemy; after which
exploit he fell in with a merchant ship from Martinico, laden
with sugar, indigo and some silver and by virtue of his letter of
marque, attacked, took, and carried her safe into Kinsale in Ireland,
where she was condemned as a lawful prize; by which means he had
not only got a pretty sum of money, but also acquired the favour
of his owners, who had already conferred upon him the command of a
large ship, mounted with twenty nine-pounders, ready to sail upon
a very advantageous voyage, which he was not at liberty to discover.
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