Not very long before we sailed, Newman and I had gone on shore, he taking a large sketch-book under his arm; and striking up into the country, we reached a beautiful spot, the outlines of which he wished to commit to paper. We sat ourselves down under the shade of a wide-spreading palm, not far from the road. While Newman took the sketch with his pencil, and in a masterly way threw in the colours, I read to him from a volume, I think, of the "Spectator." During this time a gentleman, attended by two servants in handsome liveries rode by. Seeing two common sailors, as our dresses showed we were, employed in a way so unusual, he dismounted, and, prompted by curiosity, came to see what the draughtsman had produced. He had been watching us for more than a minute before Newman observed him. Newman had a quick, prompt manner in addressing people, which arose somewhat from pride, I suspect, lest they should look down upon him; and seeing a stranger, he at once spoke to him in German, remarking on the beauty of the scenery. The gentleman stared at being thus addressed, but replied in the same language, asking leave to look at the sketch he had just finished. Newman frankly showed him that and several others, which the stranger admired. "You are a German, I presume?" said the gentleman. Newman replied that he was an Englishman. "You speak Dutch also, perhaps?" asked the stranger. "Slightly," said Newman; "but I prefer German, though I am more fluent in French." "Ah, that is a tongue I am fond of," remarked the gentleman. "But may I ask where you picked up your knowledge of languages?" "In the world," replied Newman, carelessly. "'Tis a large book, and its leaves are never closed." "I am afraid that you will think me impertinent if I continue to ask questions," said the stranger; "but I shall be glad to know to what ship you belong?" Newman told him. "Ah, I know your captain--an honest man. I am under great obligations to him. Are many of his crew able to amuse themselves as you two appear to be doing?" "Some have lately taken to drawing and singing, and a few who could not read when the voyage began are now apt scholars," answered Newman, carelessly. "We have occasionally a good deal of spare time on board a whaler, though we often have to work hard enough." A little further conversation passed. "I must not longer detain you from your task," said the gentleman. "I hope that we shall meet again."