The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-11-04

captain hart GOd bless nm, mas snOWeu l1'
better things than that although ! am only
poor negro cook, and | guess he hain't go
many men who would 90 farther for him thar
the old doctor. But come, eat away, and vii
go down and get you some clothes. We had
young scamp aboard last voyage, but he die
not like to have Captain Hart talk to him abou
God, so he ran away and left his clothes They
will just about tit you"
When George had finished his meal which
he devoured with a grateful heart, the COOK
dressed him out in suit of warm and com
Portable sailors clothing; and so great was the
alteration in his appearance, he would hardly
have been recognised as the same boy. Hi'
countenance was remarkably intelligent, and
beaming as it now was, with gratitude and
happiness, he appeared to great advantage
On descending the cabin hatchway he found
Captain Hart looking over some charts; but,
when he perceived George, he came up to him,
and turning him around two or three times,
and gazing earnestly on his beamlng counte-
nance, he exclaimed, "You are cut out for IA
sailor, and hope you won't be spoiled IN the
making and disappoint me-
IL will try with my whole heart to please
you, sir" said George.
81 don't doubt it, You don't look like 4 bad
boy, and if you do please me- you may find
many harder man to serve than old Jack
Hart. But | must tell you first Oft never
permit any man on board my ship to swear,
and allow no drinking among my crew.
:" never swOre an oath in my life, SIR and
please God | never mean TO- have been
brought up to know that God will not hold
him guiltless who taketh his name in vain,
and If | had ever so great an 'clination to
drink, the remembrance that forbid 1T
would stop me-"
We'll, that's spoken IL" You have
been well brought up our parents
were and if you 60 TIM with s-ch
principles, you need ne Jut you will
anchor safe at last rou this trip
on trial, and if you suit .eed not look
for another berth unless .ose, for never
want any man to sail with me who does not
like TO- My wife and girls are coming down
tomorrow to see the brig before ! sail, so you
can help the doctor put the cabin in order"
God bless you, sir" said the grateful boy
grasping the hard hand of the worthy captain
IL hope shall please you, for want to do 50,
and | am sure shall try"
well, well, 90 along now, and tell the doc
tor to come aft and get things in order"
George had seen the old cook come when the
captain called for the doctor, and was about
ascending the hatchway, when Captain Hart
called him back, and asked if there was any.
thing he wanted.
"You have left me nothing to wish for; but
if you please, | wish you would do something
for me. This he added, pulling the ring anC
lock Of his mothers hair from his breast (toI
he had hung it around his neck by a strng)-
" this is my poor mothers; will you please tt
keep it safe for me; and if you please, sir, t.
lend me Bible, so that can read when have
time?n
"Yes that | will, George" said Captain
Hart, taking the ring; @ and will tell one Of
the girls to get small Bible for you. | wish
there were more boys to ask for that book"
George then went on deck, and going to tn,
galley, related to the cook what had occurred
in the cabin and the good old negro
received the news with real pleasure for lit
tie as he had seen of George, he had become
quite attached to him by his department and
manners He promised to make a sailor OF
him, and while they were at work in the cabin
gave him a great deal of advice in his own
homely way but it was all good and George
listened respectfully, for he felt his need of a
friend, though that friend should be negro
cook
The day was passed by George in such work
as was pointed out to him by the cook and at
night he retired to rest in the forecastle not,
however, until he had poured out his soul in
grateful praise and thanks to the Great Dis
poser of events, whose goodness had provided
for him so kind a friend and protector in his
hour of direst need