"Cringle and Cross-Tree" is the fourth of the Upwardand Onward Series, in which Phil Farringford, the hero of thesestories, appears as a sailor, and makes a voyage to the coast ofAfrica. His earlier experience in the yacht on Lake Michigan had,in some measure, prepared him for a nautical life, and he readilyadapts himself to the new situation. Being a young man of energy anddetermination, who puts his whole soul into the business in whichhe is engaged, he rapidly masters his new calling. His companionsin the forecastle are below the average standard of character inthe mercantile marine; but Phil, constantly true to his Christianprinciples, obtains an influence over some of them,—for vice alwaysrespects virtue,—which results in the permanent reform of two of hisshipmates.

Fifteen years ago the fitting out of a slaver in New York harbor wasnot an uncommon occurrence, though, happily, now the business iswholly suppressed. What was possible then is not possible now; but thehero of the story, and many of his shipmates, regarded the horribletraffic with abhorrence, and succeeded in defeating the purposesof the voyage upon which they were entrapped. In such a work theirexperience was necessarily exciting, and the incidents of the story arestirring enough to engage the attention of the young reader. But theywere battling for right, truth, and justice; and every step in thisdirection must be upward and onward.

In temptation, trial, and adversity, as well as in prosperity andhappiness, Phil Farringford continues to read his Bible, to practisethe virtues he has learned in the church, the Sunday school, and ofChristian friends, and to pray on sea and on land for strength andguidance; and the writer commends his example, in these respects, toall who may be interested in his active career.

Harrison Square, Boston, August 21, 1871.