his son, he feared that if objection was raised the boy
might run away, as he had done once before while yet
going to school. The lad had made an impertinent reply
to his mother, and his father, overhearing it, reproved
him with words and a blow. To be struck by his father
was so unusual that he was humiliated. He stole away,
got his school books and a little cold lunch -- all that he
could get to eat -- and left the house with the resolve never
to return again. He remained out until half past nine
o'clock that night, when he returned with a tamer spirit
and was forgiven. The father had not forgotten this
incident, and he was determined that if the boy must
go to sea he should go with his parents' consent. So he
talked to Captain Miller and suggested to him not to
make the boy's berth too comfortable, but to let him see
and feel the rigours of a sailor's life, so that by a single
voyage the desire for roving should be destroyed. Henry
George was then accepted as foremast boy on the Hindoo,
bound for Melbourne, Australia, and Calcutta, India.

-18-