Seagrave; "still, it is strange that he did not do
something."
"It was very strange, sir, - at least, so it appeared at the time, but
he was very fond of money, and irritated at the reports and
observations which were made about him. But, to go on, sir, I was a
strong, hardy boy, and, whenever I could escape from my mother or
school, was always found by the water-side or on board of the vessels.
In the summer-time I was half the day in water, and was a very good
swimmer. My mother perceived my fondness for the profession, and tried
all she could to divert my thoughts some other way. She told me of the
dangers and hardships which sailors went through, and always ended with
my father's death and a flood of tears.
"We certainly are of a perverse nature, as I have often heard the
clergyman say, for it appears to me that we always wish to do that
which we are told not to do. If my mother had not been always
persuading me against going to sea, I really believe I might have
stayed at home. I've often thought since, how selfish and unfeeling I
must have been. I was too young to know what pain I was giving my
mother, and how anxiety was preying upon her, all on my account.
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