Page 386 - Child's own book

Being come safe to tbe Isle of Wight, the captain, with the
prince and some others, without any delay took boat, and
arrived safe at Portsmouth, July 14, 1784. Here the number
of hou8es,"Tnen-of-war in the harbour, &c., struck the prince
with astonishment; he was ao amaited, that ho had not recol­
lection even to ask questions, according to his usual custom.
Captain W'ilson, naturally impatient to be with his family, took
post immediately for London, and left Lee Bon to the care of
his brother. These two set off for town in a night coach, and
therefore part of the journey from Portsmouth to London was
performed in the night. He remarked every circumstance, say­
ing that it had been very pleasant; that he had been put into a
little house which was run away with by horses; that he slept,
but still was going on ; and whilst he went one way, the fields,
houses, and trees, all went another. This night was the first of
his ever seeing a four-posted bed ; and when at bed-time he was
conducted to his chamber, he could not conceive the meaning of
it; but at length, on being apprised of its nature and use, quietly
laid himself down ; adding, that in England there was a house
for everything. Soon after his arrival in England, he was taken
by Captain Wilson to dine with a friend of his. Here he first
became acquainted with George Keate, Esq., the gentleman
who has so ably and faithfully written a long account of this
shipwreck (of the Antelope) and of the Pelew Islands, in a
quarto volume, price one guinea. Although Lee Boo was at
this time little acquainted with the English language, yet be­
tween woTds and actions he might easily be understood ; and he
also comprehended most of the discourse that he heard, particu­
larly anything that was explained to him by Captain Wilson.
Mr, Keate had heard some account of this extraordinary youth,
and therefore expected to see something amiable and engaging ;
but his gentleness of manner and easy deportment exceeded