A Voyage Round the World | Page 5

a firm friend. At all events, I am sure, from Captain Frankland's remarks, that he will prove a profitable one. He tells me also that his proposed voyage will be one of very great interest; that the owners of the ship have a variety of objects in view; so that he expects to visit a number of interesting places during the voyage, which is, in fact, to be completely round the world."
"Round the World!" I exclaimed. "How delightful! And am I actually going to sail all round the world in my first voyage? Well, I did not expect anything so good as that. Isn't it a first-rate chance, papa?"
"It may be very long before you return, my boy," replied my father. "I trust, however, that you will proportionately profit by the voyage. Captain Frankland says, that he hopes to make you something of a seaman before you return. You will, I trust, make the best use of his instructions."
I promised that I would, and sincerely intended to keep my promise. So it was finally settled that I was to go to sea, and few lads were ever sent afloat under better auspices than I enjoyed. I cannot fully describe the agitating sensations which passed through my bosom when I began to reflect on the approaching consummation of my wishes. While my heart beat with anticipated pleasure at the strange sights I was to behold, I could not but contemplate with sorrow the thoughts of leaving so many dear ones behind. Not that I for a moment hesitated what I would do, but the sharp edge of the enjoyment I might have felt was entirely blunted. Still, I went about talking with a keen relish of all I was to see, and what I was to do, while the preparations for my outfit were in progress; and I not a little excited the envy of my younger brothers, and of some of the boys near us, when they heard that I was starting on a voyage round the world.
At last the chest was packed, and lashed on behind the post-chaise. A few minutes more, and the old home which knew me would know me no more for many a long day. Can I describe that parting? Still, all bore up heroically. I did my best not to give way, but there was a hot, choking sensation in my throat, as if a Thug from India had got his fatal noose tight round my jugular vein; and a pulling away at the heart, as if the fangs of a stout double tooth were firmly clenched in it, and a strong-fisted dentist was hauling it out. My father and Jack were going with me to see me on board. I believe Jack envied me, and wished that he was going too, instead of having to pore over dusty parchments. My mother folded me in her arms, and kept me there. That was the worst. Still, I could not bear to break away.
"Come, Harry," said my father, "we shall miss the train." He took me gently by the shoulder, and guided me into the carriage. I took a last kiss from Mary's dear lips as I passed her. "I shall be back to-morrow evening, I hope," said he, following me.
"I say, Harry, don't forget the bows and arrows you are to bring me from the Tonga Islands!" sung out Willie.
"Or the hunting-panther from South America!" cried Georgie.
"Or the parrots from Africa!" exclaimed Mary through her tears.
"Or the love-birds from India!" said Julia.
"Or my ivory fan from China, young sailor boy!" said Isabella.
"Don't forget the journal you are to keep, or the subjects I asked you to note for me!" exclaimed the studious James.
Thus, amid various shouts and exclamations of a similar character, the moment Jack mounted on the box we drove off towards the nearest station on the railway which was to convey us to Liverpool. My father said nothing for some time, and I felt that I could not utter a word without allowing my feelings to get the better of me. However, by the time we reached the station, I had much recovered my spirits; and when once we were in the railway, Jack had so much to talk about, and cut so many jokes, that I became very happy, as he did not leave me a moment to think about the dear home I had left. I have often since thought, when I have seen people grumbling at home, or finding fault or quarrelling with their brothers and sisters or parents, let them go away and get knocked and kicked about the world, and they will have good reason to value their own quiet home as they ought.
I thought Liverpool a very fine city, with its large public buildings, and its