I then sent for him, as I was impatient to see him and learn his history. When he entered the cabin, it struck me I had seen his features before, but where I could not say. To my inquiries he stated that the brig was the Jane and Mary, of Hull, laden with coals; that they had started a wooden end during the gale, and that she had filled so rapidly that they got the boat from off the boom to save their lives, but from the heavy sea running, and the confusion, the boat had been bilged against the bulwarks, and went down as they were shoving off; that he had supported himself by one of the oars, and was soon separated from his companions who floated around him; that during this time the brig had sunk, and he, clinging to the oar, had been drawn towards her as she sank, and carried some feet under water. On his rising he perceived the top-gallant masts above water, and had made for them, and on looking round he could not see any of the rest of the crew, who must have all perished; that he had been two days on the mast, and was perished with cold. Finding that his feet, which hung down on the water, were much warmer than the other portions of his body exposed to the wind, he had sunk himself down in the water, and remained there, and had he not done so, he must have perished. I asked him how long he had been at sea, and he said he had only gone one voyage, and had been but three months on board. There was something in his manner so superior to the condition of apprentice (which he stated himself to be) on board of such a vessel; and I felt such an interest, which I could not account for, towards the lad, that I then asked who were his friends. He replied, stammering, that he had not a friend in the world except a brother older than himself by many years, and he did not know where he was. "But your father's name? Is he alive, and who is he? You must tell me that, or I shall not know where to send you." The youth was very confused, and would not give me any answer. "Come, my lad," I said, "I think as I have saved your life, I deserve a little confidence, and it shall not be misplaced. I perceive that you have not been brought up as a lad for the sea, and you must therefore trust me." "I will, Sir," he replied, "if you will not send me back to my father and--mother." "Certainly not against your will, my good lad," I replied, "although I shall probably persuade you all I can to return to them. I presume you ran away from your home?" "Yes, Sir, I did," replied he; "for I could not possibly stay there any longer, and my brother did so before me, for the same reason that I did." "Well, I promise you, if you will confide in me, that I will not force your inclinations, so now tell me who are your father and mother, and why you left home. You want a friend now, and without confidence you cannot expect friendship." "I will tell you all, Sir," he replied, "for I see by your face that you will not take advantage of me."