Year: 1868

this-fghting for his liberty when ne was
about to be treated like Slave. It's fine
language that writer's use about Britannia
ruling the waves, and our gallant tars and
noble seamen, and the deeds they have
done, but they never stop to think of the
cruelty with which those brave fellows
were treated, dragged off to serve the King
in quarrel that they knew nothing about,
while after being forced into service it was
death for mutiny if poor fellow refused to
serve.


Here we are, two hard-working sailors,
fresh home from sea, seized for all the
world Ike blacks, and to be made slaves of
for years to come, whilst the people were
always boasting of the land of the free
Thank goodness, some of those things are
better now, and it was time that they
should be, for | saw enough of ship of
war in days to come.


But it was not to be then for when,
after minute or so, there was no sign of
poor Harry, the blood seemed to rise up
into my eyes, and in a savave fit of passion
| wrested myself from the two men who
held me tightly; for l had been standing
quiet, and they were taken up with the do
ings of their mates, and did not expect
that l should make struggle for it now
So twisted myself free, hit out right and
left, and tumbled one fellow off the wharf
into the water, and then before anybody
could stay me, | dashed off,


But was not free yet [ had to pass
the steps, from which two of the gang ran
to stop me; but | had good way on them,
and as one of them made blow at me with
cudgel, came down upon him like
ram, tumbled him over, and then was
racing along the street with half dozen
of the gang shouting and running after me
like mad


1t was hard run that, up one lane aud
down another, hard as could tear, with
the hot. breath painting out of my chest, and
a burning feeling strong on me, as if I'd
swallowed live Goals. But it was for liber-
ty, and the thought of what would follow if
l was caught, made me dash on faster
everytime felt ready to sink and give in.
Every time | looked over my shoulder |
could see one or two of the gang after me,
but at last there was only one, and him it
seemed as if couldn't tire out, for there
he always was, about the same distance
behind, taking step for step with me- We
were neither of us going fast now for want
of breath, and the perspiration ran down
my face; but everything | tried to shake
him off seemed of no use, and every time
I turned to look there he was still hunting
me down like a dog. l. tried doubling
down court, but he was close after me |
turned down one street and up another but
there he was still; and the more | tried the
closer he seemed to get to me.


Well, this seemed to make me savage,
and my teeth got gritting together, and as
| knew that he was only one now, having
outrun all his mates, and must be tired out
as was, l said to myself " If he takes me
he'll have to fight for it." Then | ran
down another court, which turned off again
directly after, and then came horrible dis.
appointed feeling, for l saw that | was in
trap, and when remembered the cudgel
the press gang man had, it seemed as if my
chance was gone, for there was no way out
of the court, at the bottom.


People think quickly at time like this,
and in a moment was hid behind a corner
and listening to the cldtter OF the sailors
feet as he came down the court Next
moment out all the strength | had left In
the blow fetched him aside his head
Down he went with his face upon the stones,
and jumping over him l ran out into the
street and felt that | was free.


l was sorry for the press. gang chap as
soon as l had hit him; but, duty or no
duty the men then were deal too fond of
getting other poor fellows into the same
scrape as themselves, and as | felt | was
free, my breath seemed to come easier, and
| went along the streets at gentle trot, till
l felt that must be safe.


l wasn't going to stop in London any
more. SO l made my way. late as it was, to
the Great North Road, and daybreak found
me drudging wearily between the pleasant
hedgerows. thinking very sadly about poor
Harry, who came from the next village to
mine in Hertfordshire. and turning it over in
my mind how | should tell his poor old folks
about thei- lad being drowned at home here
when trying to get clear of the press gang.
1t seemed so hard that | am afraid | said
more than one queer thing against the King
and all his servants as l trudged along
homewards; but, spite of all. the morning
was bright and CHEEKY, the country looked
so green and sweet, and the birds sang so,
that l couldn't feel downhearted long;
while, having no kit to carry, got fast over
the ground. only stopping once to have a
good hearty breakfast at a roadside public
house, and early that afternoon | was at
home


/ am not going to keep you long now,
whla as to the fuss made over sailor at
home after long voyage, that's matter of
course. Next day l started off to walk six
miles to Harry's friends, to tell them the sad
news and a hard job that seemed. for they
were nice old people, and of better class
the old man doing bit of farming in his
way-and, as he afterwards told me, there
was plenty for Harry to do at home. only
he would 90 to sea. Poor old chap" /
thought it does seem hard" and twenty
times over l was ready to turn back, for
felt that could not tell the folks the bitter
news.


Last of all stood resting on stile, think
ing it all over, and going through the whole
scene, even seeming TO hear the poor fellows
cry as he leaped right into the water; when
only after hard fight could wind myself