Our galley was ordered to Cadiz, to take aboard some masts, yards, and ship’s tackling. Here a young lord, who was related to our captain, and a Knight of the Order of St. James’s, came with his baggage on board our galley, intending to make his first expedition. He wore, as was customary in those days, a gold chain; but he had not been a week on board before he lost this. In vain was every exertion made to discover the thief; the chain was not to be found. Upon which the captain recommended his kinsman to take one of the slaves into his service, who should have the care of his chamber, and be responsible for every thing, on pain of being handsomely flogged if any thing were lost. The Knight approved highly of this advice, and the only question now was, which of the slaves should have the honour of serving him. He had heard a good account of my address and capacity, and wished exceedingly to have me. Accordingly, the captain called the commissary before him, and asked him if he was satisfied with my behaviour. The commissary, not knowing the drift of this question, enlarged upon my merit, and spoke so highly in my praise, that the Knight from that moment resolved to select me. I was immediately sent for; he liked my looks, and I was enrolled in his service, to the great regret of the commissary. Behold me now become a valet-de-chambre to a Knight of St. James. That I might be able to serve him the more commodiously, the first favour he obtained for me was, that I should only be obliged to wear a link on my foot; after which, all his clothes, linen, jewels, and other valuables were told out to me, and given in charge to me, with the recommendation that it would be to my own interest to be faithful and vigilant. I put every thing in such order, that I could see the whole at one view. The servants were expressly forbidden to enter the chamber without my permission, when their master was not in it. This regulation saved me a great deal of trouble in watching these sparks, who were as well versed in legerdemain tricks as any of the slaves on board the galley.