But to bring this long turn of our affairs to a conclusion; thefirst thing we had to do was to consult with the captain of theship, and with his men, and know if they were willing to go toJapan. While I was doing this, the young man whom my nephew hadleft with me as my companion came up, and told me that he thoughtthat voyage promised very fair, and that there was a great prospectof advantage, and he would be very glad if I undertook it; but thatif I would not, and would give him leave, he would go as amerchant, or as I pleased to order him; that if ever he came toEngland, and I was there and alive, he would render me a faithfulaccount of his success, which should be as much mine as I pleased.I was loath to part with him; but considering the prospect ofadvantage, which really was considerable, and that he was a youngfellow likely to do well in it, I inclined to let him go; but Itold him I would consult my partner, and give him an answer thenext day. I discoursed about it with my partner, who thereuponmade