Mr. Ashton would have told his little boys, that under the protecting providence of God we are alike safe, whether on sea or land; but he was interrupted by the rough voice of a sailor who stood by them, and seemed to forget, while listening to the gentleman’s narration, that he was in any other company than his own. “Ah! sure enough, they have reason to be thankful to the end of their days who got safe ashore. Yes, it was in that very storm my poor Will was lost, and Mary and the babies left to struggle as they could: but they shall never want a crust while old Tom Price has one to share with them.” Mr. Ashton turned to look on the speaker. Time and care had deeply furrowed the cheeks of the old seaman, and long exposure to hardships had given a stern expression to his features; but there was something in his voice and manner which interested his hearers. “Do you live here? Shall you ever go to sea again? Can you tell us more about that terrible storm?” with many other questions, were asked by the children; nor did Mr. Ashton take his leave until he had learned the old seaman’s place of abode, and promised, before very long, to pay him a visit. “And, now boys,” said he, “for a run: mamma will think us long in coming; and if you are as hungry as I am, you will not be sorry to sit down to breakfast.” [Illustration: _The Esplanade, Brighton, looking toward Shoreham_.] CHAPTER II. Many days did not pass away before Edward and Lewis had made themselves pretty well acquainted with the town of Brighton; its principal streets, public buildings, squares, esplanades, &c. Mr. Ashton was obliged to leave his family sooner than he had anticipated; but the little boys ever found a friend and companion in their affectionate mother, ready to enter into their plans, and assist them in any difficulty. The children spent much of their time out of doors, but sometimes it happened, that their mamma was not at liberty to accompany them; or, worse than all, the weather would not permit their leaving the house; and there was then little passing in the streets. At such times the question was, “What shall we do to amuse and employ ourselves? If we were at home, we could look at some of the large books of prints in the library, or read some of our own, or play with our historical or geographical games.” At last mamma thought of a plan, and the boys agreed that it would be a very good one. Edward and Lewis were each provided with a little book, in which they intended to write an account of any thing that interested them, during their stay at Brighton, Mrs. Ashton promising to assist them with any information in her power; and thus they were furnished with amusement and instruction for many a leisure hour. Then came the comparison of the memorandums each had made.