I made an excursion to the docks, where I soon succeeded in finding a berth; and shipped for the "run" in a large vessel--a "liner"--bound to New York. This business being settled, I proceeded to the house of Mrs Hyland--to bid her and her daughter "good-bye." They showed every evidence of regret at my departure; and yet they did not urge me very strenuously to remain: for they knew something of my disposition. I had a long conversation with Lenore alone. "Miss Hyland," said I, "I am going in search of a fortune--a fortune that must be obtained by hard toil; but that toil shall be sweetened by hope--the hope of seeing _you_ again. We are both young; and the knowledge of that gives me encouragement to hope. I shall not now speak to you of love; but I shall do so on my return. I believe that we are friends; but I wish to make myself worthy of something more than your friendship." I fancied that Lenore understood me. I cannot describe the exquisite pleasure that thrilled me, as I noted the expression of her features while she stood listening. It did not forbid me to hope. "I will not try to detain you, Rowland," she answered, "but if you are unsuccessful abroad, do not remain long away. Return to us; and you will find those who can sympathise with your disappointments. I shall pray that no harm may befall you; and that we may soon meet again." I could perceive her bosom trembling with some strong emotion, as she uttered these parting words. As I took her hand to bid the final "good bye," we were both unable to speak; and we parted in silence. The memory of that parting cheered me through many a dark and stormy hour of my after life. Volume One, Chapter XVI. ATLANTIC LINERS. Perhaps the most worthless characters, who follow the sea as a profession, are to be found among the crews of Atlantic liners-- especially those trafficking between Liverpool and New York. These men seldom make voyages to any other ports, than the two above mentioned; and their custom is to "ship for the run" in one vessel, and return in another. They do not affect long voyages; and prefer that between Liverpool and New York to any other. There are several reasons for this preference on their part. One is the facility with which--on an Atlantic liner--they can rob each other, and steal from the passengers. Another is, that being, even for seamen, a profligate, dissipated set, these short voyages give them more frequent opportunities of being in port--where they can indulge in the vices and habits so congenial to their vulgar tastes. A third reason is, the great number of emigrant-passengers carried between those ports, along with the loose observance of the Passenger Act--the rules of which are less strictly enforced upon Atlantic liners, than aboard ships going on longer voyages. It may be inferred from this, that the ruffians comprising the crews of the Atlantic liners, have a better opportunity of plundering the passengers than in any other ships.