The work is without precedent in character. It is fascinating as a life story and as a study of human nature. It is a contribution to unconscious literature. STANLEY WATERLOO. CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I.--MY FIRST VOYAGE 1 II.--WHALING IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC 16 III.--A SAILOR ASHORE 32 IV.--I TAKE TO THE SEA AGAIN 46 V.--ON THE BRIG GRENFALLS 57 VI.--THE "FLYING DUTCHMAN" 68 VII.--IN HER MAJESTY'S SERVICE 85 VIII.--THE CAT-O'-NINE-TAILS 101 IX.--THE ESCAPE 115 X.--THE SPORT OF THE WAVES 126 XI.--A GLIMPSE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN 142 XII.--IN AMERICAN WATERS 153 XIII.--MY THIRD VOYAGE 164 XIV.--PRETTY JENNIE BELL 181 XV.--GOOD-BYE TO ENGLAND 198 XVI.--WHAT MONEY CAN DO 207 XVII.--THE NEW YORK DRAFT RIOTS 215 XVIII.--ACTING ENSIGN IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY 226 XIX.--AFTER BLOCKADE-RUNNERS 239 XX.--A PRISONER OF WAR 252 XXI.--IN THE PRISON 264 XXII.--PRISON LIFE AND PRISON FARE 274 XXIII.--DISAPPOINTMENT AND MORE WAITING 288 XXIV.--A CRACKER BEAUTY 297 XXV.--LIBBY PRISON 311 XXVI.--A FREE MAN AGAIN 323 XXVII.--FORT FISHER 336 XXVIII.--THE ISLAND OF HAITI 348 XXIX.--I LEAVE THE SEA AND GO WEST 357 THE STORY OF A STRANGE CAREER CHAPTER I MY FIRST VOYAGE