I had at his hands every chance of leading a respectable life, but I did not want to become smug and honest.

My early training was too strong for that, so after a year or two of enforced goodness I ran away to sea.

The vessel I embarked on as a stowaway was bound for America.

When I was discovered hiding among the cargo we were in mid-ocean, and there was nothing for it but to carry me to the States.

Still, to earn my passage, I was made cabin-boy to a ruffianly captain, and once more tasted the early delights of childhood, viz., kicks, curses, and starvation.