We were taken to a public-house, and put into bed till dry clothes
could be sent for us; and then I found that the person I had saved was
my godfather, Mr. Masterman. Everyone was loud in my praise; and,
although perhaps I ought not to say it, it was a bold act for so young
a boy as I was. The sailors took me home to my mother in a sort of
triumphal procession; and she, poor thing, when she heard what I had
done, embraced me over and over again, one moment rejoicing at my
preservation, and the next weeping bitterly at the thoughts of the
danger I had encountered, and the probability that my bold spirit would
lead me into still greater."
"But she did not blame you for what you had done?"
"Oh no, William; she felt that I had done my duty towards my neighbour,
and perhaps she felt in her own heart that I had returned good for
evil; but she did not say so. The next day Mr. Masterman called upon
us; he certainly looked very foolish and confused when he asked for his
godson, whom he had so long neglected. My mother, who felt how useful
he might be to me, received him very kindly; but I had been often told
of his neglect of me and my mother, and of his supposed unfair conduct
towards my father, and had taken a violent dislike to him; his advances
towards me were therefore very coolly received.
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