Fearing the threat might be executed, Ernest watched his chance to escape, and succeeded in getting away two days later, probably saving his life by doing so, as the boy taken in his place died of yellow fever in Rio Janiero, whither the ship sailed. Ernest succeeded in finding a chance to return home by working his passage on a Hanoverian barque called "Emil," commanded by Captain Onkier. When he went on board the ship, it being in the night, a big Newfoundland dog seized him and nearly worried him to death. The dog not only bit him severely, but so thoroughly frightened him that he crouched in a corner, not daring to stir until the carpenter discovered him there the next morning and released him. Being at the mercy of the crew on the voyage to Bremer Haven, he was compelled to steal provisions and liquor for them, and was caught in the act by the Captain who struck him on the side of the head with such force that it sent him reeling, and he was subsequently beaten by the crew for his lack of success. During the nine days' voyage he had no bed to sleep on or cover himself with, and he was about as comfortless as when he shared the bed of the dog. He reached home nine months after first embarking, about half clad and without a cent to show for the time he had been absent. His parents, however, gave him a hearty welcome, and were horrified at learning of his narrow escapes and severe treatment. CHAPTER II. EMBARKS AS ORDINARY SEAMAN--CAPTAIN'S PREMONITION AND SAILORS' FEAR--AMAZONE WRECKED--DYING SAILOR'S VISION--GREWSOME SEAT--A TYPHOON--SHIP SEIZED BY FRENCH--TRAVEL IN RUSSIA--FINDS A WIFE--CONVERTED TO "MORMONISM." In April, 1867, he found employment as an ordinary seaman on a German mail boat, sailing between Bremer Haven and New York, his compensation being $6.00 per month. He fared so much better on that vessel that he quite enjoyed his berth, but was ambitious to learn more of seamanship than he could on the steamer, and after one year's service quit that and joined the Hamburg barque "Amazone," bound for Cardiff to load up with coal for Hong Kong, China. As the vessel was leaving the Geestemunde dock, her owner stood on the quay side, and, as the last rope was cast off, he placed his hand on the ship's side and said, "Good by Amazone; I will never see you again!"