Page:The History and Travels of Hector Maclean, Late Sailor.pdf/5



Was born in the Ile of Tirrie, and Shire of Argyle, in 1728; and when eight Years of Age, my Brother, with three other Merchants, who had a coating Boat among them, loaded with Beef, Blankets, Linen, Skins, &c. took me along, at my Deire, to lead a Hore to the Port; where being arrived, I went unperceived aboard of the Boat, and hid myelf in a Barrel, to give my Father the Slip; and the Boat ailing off, I was carried to a Port to the Ile of Mull, twelve Leagues from Tirrie, before it was known to the Merchants that I was aboard, I having got myelf a very ound Sleep in my Concealment during the Paage. My Father, in the mean Time, was almot ditracted for me, as he could not find me any where, till my Brother ent Word Home that I was aboard: And it being inconvenient to return me Home, they proceeded on their Voyage, and carried me to the Port of Greenock, where they delivered their Cargo, and