I could hardly believe my eyes, when I saw him in such disreputable company.

It will be a sad blow for his poor mother.

As we were short of hands, our captain offered the crew of the lugger the choice of shipping with us, or being sent on shore for trial.

Most of them chose the former alternative, among them James Walsham, of which I was glad, as his mother will be spared the disgrace of his being placed in the dock with his associates.

I need not say that if I could have obtained his release, I should have done so, knowing that you had a high opinion of him; but it was, of course, out of my power to interfere." The squire was alone in his study when he received the letter, for it was midday before the post arrived at Sidmouth, when a man from the Hall went down each day, with a bag, to fetch the letters.