eternal rest.

Did Commodore Cleveland, as a saddened flash of thought swept over his
handsome face, while he stood on his quarter-deck, dwell on those
scenes? Yes, we know he did. By day and night, in war and peace, in gale
or calm, on deck or at banquet, in dream and action, the girl and mother
he so dearly loved was close clasped to his heart, and the child still
playing at his knee.

"Gentlemen, let me make you acquainted with the first lieutenant, Mr.
Hardy; and permit me also to present my nephew, Mr. Darcantel, captain,
if you please, my friends, of the one-gun schooner 'Rosalie,' formerly
the slaver 'Perdita,' cut out of a river on the Gold Coast by the young
gentleman who stands before you."

"Rosalie! why that's the name of my niece," exclaimed Piron; "and she is
prettier and whiter than your trim little craft, sir. But you must come
with the commodore to Escondido, and judge for yourself. But, bless my
soul! _you_ resemble our Rosalie, even if your schooner don't. Why, look
at him, Paddy Burns!"

Don Stingo, and Tom Stewart, and the Paddy did look at him, and all
shook hands with him, laughing the while at Piron, and asking when old
Clinker looked for another earthquake.

"Come, Piron, come, gentlemen, don't let us keep the soup waiting! By
the way, Mr. Hardy, will you do me the favor to take a glass of wine
with us after gun-fire?"

"Thank you."

"Suppose you bring little Mouse with you; I like children; and perhaps
you will excuse the younker from keeping his watch to-night? A little
extra sleep in hammock won't hurt him, you know."

And so Commodore Cleveland raised his hat, followed by the eyes of
respect and devotion from officer and sailor, as he passed down the
ladder and entered his spacious cabin.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

THE BLUE PENNANT IN THE CABIN.

"To Bachelors' hall we good fellows invite
To partake of the chase that makes up our delight."

"Ask smiling honor to proclaim
What is glory, what is fame?
Hark! the glad mandate strikes the list'ning ear!
'The truest glory to the bosom dear,
Is when the soul starts soft compassion's tear.'"

"Now, gentlemen, let me get off this heavy coat and epaulets. There! all
right, Domino! put the sword in its case, and give me a white jacket.
Choose your own places, my friends. Piron, sit here on my right; Henri,
take the foot of the table."

These last words were said in French; whereupon Piron started and
whi