Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/80

Rh They ran into the cottage; the poor woman who lived in it ſent her children for wood, and ſoon made a good fire to dry them.

The father of the family ſoon after came in, leaning on crutches; and over one eye there was a large patch. I am glad to ſee you honest Jack, said Mrs. Maſon, come and take your ſeat by the fire, and tell the children the ſtory of your ſhipwreck.

He inſtantly complied. I was very young, my dear ladies, ſaid Jack, when I went to ſea, and endured many hardſhips,—however I made a ſhift to weather them all; and whether the wind was fair or foul, I ran up the ſhrouds and ſung at the helm. I had always a good heart, no lad fore or aft had a better; when we were at ſea, I never was the firſt to flinch; and on ſhore I was as merry as the beſt of them. I married ſhe you ſee yonder, (lifting his crutch to point to his wife) and her work and my wages did together, till I was ſhipwrecked on these rocks. Oh! it was a dreadful night; this is nothing to it; but I am Rh