Year: 1872


AbDah Lines. He was a seafaring man,
and had for years commanded ship out
of the port Of Boston, where he was
very popular in the commercial com
munity. He was unmarried. and l was
named after him Several times in my
life | remember to hare seen him when
he paid my mother a short visit, aud
brought pretty presents fron abroad
He appeared to take great interest in
and always left me a small sum of
money at his departure. and limited that
he would do better by me in case l turn.
ed out a good boy and smart


l was sixteen year old. but was
often taken to be much older, as was
large for my age. when my mother re-
ceived letter from Uncle Bigh as We
called him telling her that he wonld ar
rive in Boston on or about certain date
and expressing wish that che would
esne sae so-.---.-a.-----r-r-.'- ---
turn with me and make her a visit, He
gave explicit directions where l would
find the hotel at which l was to stop,
aud said he had written to the propri
etor, who was friend Of his, requesting
b into make me comfortable and have
an eye to me until bis arrival.


havn.t been in Boston since l was 4
lad. said my father; faith wish Captain
Bigh had invited me too. It's great
city. he continued, addressing me. and
there's lots to be seen there, and you,
my son are Of an age when the mind is
generally inquisitive be careful that you
don't fall into any mischief.


I'm not afraid Of that. interposed my
mother. Bigh has been to carefully
brought up to 60 astray in the few days
he will be awaiting his uncle's arrival.
Besides, you gee my brother has written
to the gentleman who keeps the hotel
where he lie to stop to have a care over
him. No doubt this worthy will never
let him out of bis sight, but will take
him about and show him all that is
worth eeeing. Oh! Bigh. you'll have
plenty to tell me when you return.


What are you counting your fingers
fort inquired my father looking up from
the book he was reading


1 was reconing. replied my mother, how
long my brother has been following the
sea. It's thirtyive years. In this
time be must have saved a good deal Of
money. Shouldn't wonder if he was
rich. Our aon is his namesake, and she
smiled Significantly.


My father nodded his head and his
eyes twinkled merrily as my mother and
himself exchanged places.


WASN'T such fool that didn't un-
derstand the thoughts that we're pas
sing through their minds. l was to be
the heir OF Captain AbJah Lines. was
to inherit his money and be gentleman.
1t wasn't bad rejection.


The day of my departure came and
found me ready to start away on my trip.
My mother had stored my mind with
good advice and as a talisman had placed
in my trunk a book, entitled The Pu-
ritan's Breastplate; or, the Way to Get
Along" 1t was a work of four hundred
pages, small type, and l can't imagine
when and how she expected me to read
it.


Everything wen. we'll, and l arrived
in Boston safely. At once proceeding
to the Sculpin House, l registerd my
name AbJah Lines Thompson. Nettle-
town. and was shown to my room The
clerk informed me that the proprietor
was ab.ent from the city. but that he had
opened my uncle's letter and would try
and render me contented until Captain
Lines arrival.


After l had washed of some Of the
dust from my face. dressed myself in
my hest suit and came down stairs.


The FIRST thing that struck my eyes
were several long sofas arranged against
the wall of the hall, on which a dozen