I promised that I would, and sincerely intended to keep my promise.  So it was finally settled that I was to go to sea, and few lads were ever sent afloat under better auspices than I enjoyed.  I cannot fully describe the agitating sensations which passed through my bosom when I began to reflect on the approaching consummation of my wishes.  While my heart beat with anticipated pleasure at the strange sights I was to behold, I could not but contemplate with sorrow the thoughts of leaving so many dear ones behind.  Not that I for a moment hesitated what I would do, but the sharp edge of the enjoyment I might have felt was entirely blunted.  Still, I went about talking with a keen relish of all I was to see, and what I was to do, while the preparations for my outfit were in progress; and I not a little excited the envy of my younger brothers, and of some of the boys near us, when they heard that I was starting on a voyage round the world.