Then, I began to go out as for training and practice: sometimes alone, sometimes with Herbert.

I was often out in cold, rain, and sleet, but nobody took much note of me after I had been out a few times.

At first, I kept above Blackfriars Bridge; but as the hours of the tide changed, I took towards London Bridge.

It was Old London Bridge in those days, and at certain states of the tide there was a race and fall of water there which gave it a bad reputation.

But I knew well enough how to 'shoot' the bridge after seeing it done, and so began to row about among the shipping in the Pool, and down to Erith.
The first time I passed Mill Pond Bank, Herbert and I were pulling a pair of oars; and, both in going and returning, we saw the blind towards the east come down.