his foot so resolutely as to make them shy of approaching him, until, recovering my legs, I went to their aid and took him again in tow.

Lord Holland, concluding the company had been entertained long enough with the exhibition, thanked me very courteously, and I withdrew with my retinue of four and two footed animals, leaving the noble company convulsed with merriment, unless my volunteer-aid-decamp was an exception.

My friends at the second table were no way behind hand in enjoying the above-stairs frolic, especially when the cause of the explosion was explained to them.

On the following day, we finished setting up the carmuncle. Of its being done completely as it ought, I had my doubts: it was an intricate piece of work, and the parts did not appear to fit quite well; but, as no one was there to find fault or that could do it better, I came away with flying colours.

At parting, I promised what I then meant to perform, that, on my return to England, from a voyage in contemplation, I would pay such hearty messmates another visit. And, more than twelve years after, being at Sadler's Wells, I was accosted by the butler, and good-naturedly reproached for non-performance. I then wondered at his remembering me so well, and often since

have had occasion to be surprised at the recollection of my person by various other people.

CHAPTER XVII.

Voyages in the merchant-service: a duel.

Ir would be tiresome to detail a variety of common-place adventures in the course of sundry voyages I made, in merchant-ships, to different ports in America and the West Indies. Novelty tempted me to try many, but in none could I find sufficient inducement to continue.

The only mercantile-shipping employ, that I conceived I might be reconciled to, was up the Mediterranean; but both fear and shame deterred me from making the attempt. I was fearful on account of my former enamorato, to whom, as well as to her brother, I had, agreeably to her request, written, on my return to England, a variety of insurmountable reasons on the score of family and the service I was in, unless her friends would consent to her quitting them to reside in England, whenever our mar

riage might take place; which, by reason of my youth at that time, would necessarily be some years first. This was what she had desired me to write.

From the angelic girl I received an answer, containing only six words besides the initials of her name; they are deeply engraven on my heart: with a postscript, advising me never to trust myself in Italy again. This was partly explained by her brother's letter, by which I found all her friends were much enraged. I likewise felt ashamed of appearing in a mercantile situation, where I had figured away in a naval uniform.

I must here acknowledge, that, although I began these Memoirs with what I thought a firm resolution not to hesitate in relating whatever had occurred, however repugnant it might ap-pear to truth and common sense, I have detected myself in with-holding a foolish mad-headed circumstance, merely because it might sound incredible. I was grossly affronted, in a public company at Jamaica, by a toast, most pointedlygiven for the purpose. I requested permission. of the chairmain to decline it: the author persisted in his right, after the chairman and others had drank it, during a momentary absence of mine. The chairman and company in general, not conceiving it was of such importance as my antagonist knew it was to me, ordered me to

drink it. Naturally impetuous when taken off my guard, I instantly determined, and, taking`up my glass, said to the chairman, "Sir, I bow to the laws of social drinking in obeying your orders; the result must take its chance." I drank it, then bit off part of the bowl of my glass, chewed it with my teeth, and spit it full in the author's face across the table.

It may appear incredible, but I was actually not injured in the smallest degree, neither was my antagonist, from the glass. I begged the company's pardon and withdrew, with a hint. that could not be mistaken. We met at daylight the next morning; he preferred swords, and I ran him through. I crossed the Island and lay incog. at a planter's until he recovered. On my return, he wished to see me: I went, when he requested my forgivenness and took the whole blame on himself.

This was the only duel I was ever concerned in as the challenger, and I was truly sorry for it, particularly so from the ungovernable, foolish, spiteful-like, heat I was first thrown into.

Meet with my old shipmate; carry a challenge from him to his former commander; obliged to Ay; overtaken and cooped up in Dover Castle.

COMPLETELY disgusted with the mercantile shipping, no temptations or offers were sufficient to induce a continuance. On my return home, I met with my old ship-mate B. He had been master of a merchant-ship in the Portugaltrade, but found that would not suit.

We found ourselves nearly in similar circumstances; but his were the worst, being in debt, and having a violent quarrel with his father, who refused advancing him money. He was involved also in so serious an altercation with his last commander, while in the navy, as to be obliged to request me to be the bearer of a serious note to him. On delivering the same, and its being read, I was asked if I knew the contents; to which an affirmative answer being given, his lordship said it was very well, it required no answer from him.

A