e bar sinister has never
crossed our escutcheon, and I can not yet make up my mind to an
immediate engagement. This our niece has consented to--Stop, Cleveland,
hear me out. I do not, however, carry my prejudices to any absurd
extent, nor have I spoken on this subject to the girl, and only to her
mother and my wife; but I wish you to explain the way we feel, in your
own kind manner, to your friend's son. Say to him what a trial it has
been to us--how we all love him"--he pressed his handkerchief to his
eyes--"and after he has learned all, if he still persists in urging his
suit when the cruise is over, he shall have our consent and blessing.
Time may work changes in them both; and meanwhile I shall not mention
the matter to our little Rosalie, as we fear for the consequences."

"Spoken like a true father and a noble gentleman, my dear Piron! I have
thought as you and your excellent wife do on this matter; but, like you,
I have not had the courage to give even a hint of warning to Henry. I
shall, however, break the matter gently to him, and send my coxswain for
his father also, whom I have not seen for a week, and who, they tell me,
has been raging about Kingston ever since he ran away from you at
Escondido. His son loves him devotedly, and a word from him will do more
than I could say in a lifetime."

"The ladies are in the barge, commodore," squeaked Midshipman Mouse, as
he popped his tiny head into the cabin.

"Very well, sir. And tell Lieutenant Darcantel that I wish to see him
to-morrow morning, before church service. Come, Piron!"

On the lower grating of the accommodation-ladder stood the commodore,
with his first lieutenant, as the barge shoved off.

"I am heartily obliged to you, Commodore Cleveland," said Jacob Blunt,
"for your kindness to me; and if Mr. Hardy will permit, I'll give the
boats' crews a glass of grog for their trouble in towing the old brig."

Certainly! Jacob knew what was proper under the circumstances, and liked
a moderate toss himself after a hard night's work as well as the lusty
sailors in the boats, and the youngsters, Rat and Martin, who steered
them.

So the barge shoved off, with no other words spoken, though there were
white handkerchiefs wet with women's tears, and red bandanas, too,
somewhat moist; while following in the barge's wake went a light
whale-boat gig, pulled by four old tars, who could make her leap, when
they had a mind, half out of water, for it was in those brawn