I learned the business very readily, and during the last three years of my apprenticeship could do the work of a man.
It was a very pleasant family that I lived with while learning my trade.
In the year 1809 my "boss" took a job in Torringford, and I went with him.

After being absent several months from home, I felt very anxious to see my poor mother who lived about two miles from Plymouth.

She lived alone--with the exception of my youngest brother about nine years old.

I made up my mind that I would go down and see her one night.

In this way I could satisfy my boss by not losing any time.