268 PHILIP QUARLL. ay Par Quant was bora in the parish of St. Giles, London. His father, formerly a master-builder, having unfortunately reduced himself in building, was at last reduced to work at the mean business of brick-making. One day, a neighbour, who had the care of the child in his mother’s absence, conceived an inclination for him. She intended to have kept him till he ‘was qualified for some genteel trade ; and to leave him some- thing in her will, to set him up when out of his time. But ill- fate already began to show its averseness to poor Phil's happi- ness; the worthy lady died suddenly, to his great prejudice, and threatening ruin. ‘The master having conceived a particular love for the boy, he, in consequence, continued to go to school for the space of four years longer ; at the expiration of that time, he had made such a progress in his learning, that he was in some respects qualified to attend the school in the nature of an usher, had his age permitted it. His father now dying, and ‘his mother not being in a capacity to do for him, as his edueation and natural talents really deserved, proposed his learning some trade, in order to get his bread honestly. But one day, as Philip was wandering by the Thames’ side, a captain of a ship bound for the East Indies, taking a particular fancy to him, asked him whether he would go to sea, and that if he was so disposed, he would take him to look after his cabin, and provide very well for him, The gentle manner in which he spoke to the boy, and his mild countenance, made a vast progress in his affection : so having accepted his offer, he desired that he might run home, and acquaint his mother with it. ‘The distress of his mother on the occasion is beyond description ; having embraced