Excerpt from Adventures of a Younger Son, Vol. 2

I awaited his return with impatience, but when he came, my impatience was left unsatisfied; for he was to meet the merchants in the evening. Next day brought the same story, and so on for many days. I loathe the tardy transactions of these grovelling serpents. I hate arithmetical calculations they do more mischief than earthquakes in destroying badly founded fabrics they are like a mameluke's bit to a fiery and impatient horse. I was, however, like the horse, compelled to submission.

Much time was thus wantonly wasted ere De Ruyter had concluded arrangements to pay, instead of receiving, certain sums, and give securities, and enter into certain bonds, and sign deeds, all preliminary to retaining pos session of the schooner. However, it was accomplished and, in less than a month after his arrival, I was in stalled in my heart's desire. Aided by De Ruyter, I set about refitting the schooner for sea. Whilst at work on board, Zela stayed with me. We all made occasional holidays at the villa, which was left in charge of Aston.

When the grab and schooner were ready for sea, De Ruyter gave me his instructions. In company we weighed our anchors. De Ruyter had pretty well recovered the use of his hand. The Americans, who had been left on board, and the four English sailors, taken with Aston, had entered voluntarily to serve on board the schooner. My crew had been completed by De Ruyter, and was a tolerably good one. I was armed with six twelve-pound carronades, and four long six pounders. We had provisions and water for ten weeks.

Zela, whom nothing but force could have induced to remain behind, and that I had no inclination to essay, was with me.

Thus, with all my wishes gratified, my joy was boundless as the element on which I floated; and I thought it would be as everlasting - thanks to my being no arithmetician, and not being gifted with the pre science even of an hour. Accursed foresight! Which turns enjoyment into misery by calculating on what is to ensue! I never did so but went to sea with an exulting heart, fearless and free as the lion, when he leaves his lair in the jungles to hunt on the plains.

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