We live on the docks, 1776.
In some ways this makes us lucky, you and I. If, that is, you know how to ignore the slavery, the cold and the rats and disappear into your head.
I say this because there is very little that goes on in the world which doesn't pass through the docks. All things considered it would be a death for me to return to Surrey. Because here, I am constantly meeting people and things from the most interesting places.
And books, too. Oh my goodness, the books I find! It is because of those books, 1776, that I am able to maintain a conversation with you at all. Ah, I should tell you about those, shouldn't I. So you know what it is, that company you keep when I am away during the day. Well then, let me introduce you. I keep three books in my Secret Place at all times alongside you, 1775 and 1774. But where I obviously keep you three to myself (I would surely hang from a high tree should anyone ever find you!), I return the ones I have stolen one at a time, after I finish reading them. Each goes back to its original owner. Or, if that is not possible and that poor soul has gone to sea or worse, I leave them with somebody I trust will do the most noble thing possible with them. (That person is always James, if he is not away. But there are other people I trust, as well.)
And books, too. Oh my goodness, the books I find! It is because of those books, 1776, that I am able to maintain a conversation with you at all. Ah, I should tell you about those, shouldn't I. So you know what it is, that company you keep when I am away during the day. Well then, let me introduce you. I keep three books in my Secret Place at all times alongside you, 1775 and 1774. But where I obviously keep you three to myself (I would surely hang from a high tree should anyone ever find you!), I return the ones I have stolen one at a time, after I finish reading them. Each goes back to its original owner. Or, if that is not possible and that poor soul has gone to sea or worse, I leave them with somebody I trust will do the most noble thing possible with them. (That person is always James, if he is not away. But there are other people I trust, as well.)
But at this point, 1776, you must be guessing that I met someone interesting today. Otherwise, why would I be telling you all this? Well! I won't keep you in suspense. Today I met a man from Abyssinia. He too is a James. But not a James Cook. He is a James Bruce.
But more about this other James tomorrow, 1776. The dark is upon us once again. Sleep tight, don't let the rats eat you alive and I'll see you again tomorrow night.
Portrait of Bruce by Pompeo Batoni, 1762 (Sourced from Wikipedia on 1 Mar 2019)
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