"He is certainly an altogether exceptionally well-spoken young fellow, for his condition of life; but I can't quite make him out.

I think that he has worked as a mill wright.

He spoke openly and without hesitation as to his work.

But how it is he has thrown it up and emigrated, so young, I can't make out.

Of course he cannot have served his time and yet, somehow, I don't think that he has run away, from the manner in which he spoke of his employer.
"He has no friends whatever in the colony, as far as I could learn.
I should say he has certainly been fairly educated, and yet he seems, from his own account, to have worked three or four years at his trade.
"I certainly like the lad, though I own that, so far, I cannot altogether make him out.