This brig was an old, ill-repaired craft, and Mr.Barnard, the father of Augustus, was its skipper.

His son, who was to accompany him on the voyage, strongly urged Arthur to go with him, and the latter would have asked nothing better, but he knew that his family, and especially his mother, would never consent to let him go.
This obstacle, however, could not stop a youth not much given to submit to the wishes of his parents.

His head was full of the entreaties and persuasion of his companion, and he determined to embark secretly on the _Grampus_, for Mr.Barnard would not have authorized him to defy the prohibition of his family.

He announced that he had been invited to pass a few days with a friend at New Bedford, took leave of his parents and left his home.

Forty-eight hours before the brig was to sail, he slipped on board unperceived, and got into a hiding-place which had been prepared for him unknown alike to Mr.Barnard and the crew.
The cabin occupied by Augustus communicated by a trap-door with the hold of the _Grampus_, which was crowded with barrels, bales, and the innumerable components of a cargo.