4 An African Voyage

CHAPTER 4 An African Voyage My luck improved in London. I fell into good company and met Captain Culpeper, who had just returned from Africa. His African voyage had been so successful that he was about to set off on another one. We shared many meals and had a number of great conversations. When Captain Culpeper learned of my desire to see the world, he

decided to take me along with him. Captain Culpeper was an honest and fair man. Not only did he hire me for his voyage, but he also took me under his wing. He helped me buy the items I could trade to make a small profit. While sailing, he also taught me about mathematics, navigation, and many other things seamen need to know. He gave me excellent advice. The heat in lands so close to the equator gave me a great fever. For much of the time we spent down south, I was sick. After almost a year at sea, we returned to London. Getting back safely wasn't the only good thing that came out of my trip. I found out that I was a good trader. I had made a solid profit from my goods. Although my health improved when we were back in colder climates, Captain Culpeper had caught the same fever and he wasn't so lucky. He died soon after we got

back. I missed him terribly. He was a loyal friend and mentor. My success as a trader convinced me that I had made the right choice. I ignored the advice of John's father, and tried not to be too sad about Captain Culpeper. When the first mate offered me a place on a ship about to sail for Africa, I jumped at the chance to go with them. I left most of my newfound fortune with Culpeper's widow for safekeeping and set off on another adventure.