W., and who actually liked
Mrs. F., called on her, and asked her to dinner, and Roscoe too,
whom she met at her place. I believe my aunt would have used her
influence to get him a good living, if he had played his cards
properly; but I expect he wouldn't be patronised, and he went for a
"mickonaree," as they say in the South Seas. . . . Well, I'm off
to the Spicy Isles, then back again to marry a wife. "Go thou and
do likewise."
By the way, have you ever heard of or seen Boyd Madras since he
slipped our cable at Aden and gave the world another chance?
I trust he will spoil her wedding--if she ever tries to have one.
May I be there to see!
Because we shall see nothing more of Hungerford till we finally dismiss
the drama, I should like to say that this voyage of his to the West
Indies made his fortune--that is, it gave him command of one of the
finest ships in the English merchant service. In a storm a disaster
occurred to his vessel, his captain was washed overboard, and he was
obliged to take command. His skill, fortitude, and great manliness,
under tragical circumstances, sent his name booming round the world; and,
coupled, as it was, with a singular act of personal valour, he had his
pick of all vacancies and possible vacancies in the merchant service, boy
(or little more) as he was.
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