The great world was expanding before him, and the curiosity of his intensely active mind was roused to explore more of its wonders.
One morning he ventured on board one of the ships at a wharf, and was curiously and cautiously peering about, when the captain caught sight of him.

It so happened that he was in need of a sailor-boy, and being pleased with the appearance of the lad, asked David if he would not like to enter into his service to take a voyage to London.

The boy had no more idea of where London was, or what it was, than of a place in the moon.

But eagerly he responded, "Yes," for he cared little where he went or what became of him, he was so glad of an opportunity to see more of the wonders of this unknown world.
The captain made a few inquiries respecting his friends, his home, and his past modes of life, and then engaged him for the cruise.

David, in a state of high, joyous excitement, hurried back to the wagoner, to get his seven dollars of money and some clothes he had left with him.