the other said.

"What officers have you?"

"A junior lieutenant, and two midshipmen. The lieutenant, when I am
alone, always messes with me. We are not so strict, among our small
craft in the Company's service, as they are in the royal navy; and
I think, myself, that it would be ridiculous for me to dine here by
myself; Mr. Hardy, by himself; and the two midshipmen in a separate
mess of their own. That of course they do, for they would not enjoy
their meals with Hardy and myself."

"I quite agree with you."

"This is your stateroom."

"But it is your private cabin, Fairclough, is it not?"

"Well, yes; but I am accustomed to turn out, whenever there are
passengers."

"Well, at any rate, I shall feel very much disgusted if you do so
for me. I should be most uncomfortable, so I must insist on you
having your things moved back here. When I tell you that, for
sixteen years, I lived in the house of a small Mahratta cultivator,
you may well imagine that I can make myself perfectly comfortable,
anywhere."

"It will be quite contrary to the rules of our service," the other
began, hesitatingly.

"I can't help that," Harry replied. "There are no rules without
exceptions, and mine is an altogether peculiar case. You will
really oblige me, very much, if you will have the change made.

"I see that you are surprised at what I told you about myself; it
is too long a story to tell you now, but I will, after dinner
today, repeat to you and Hardy some of my experiences; which you
will see have been curious, and account for my having the rank of
captain, and being employed in a responsible position, at my age.

"I suppose you will soon be getting up anchor?"

"Yes; the tide will be favourable now, and everything is ready for
a start."

A few minutes later, the clank of the capstan was heard and, going
on deck, Harry found Lieutenant Hardy preparing to sail. As soon as
the vessel was under way he came aft, and was introduced to Harry.

The latter had enquired, of the chief of the Governor's staff, what
was customary on these occasions, and whether he was to take on
board a stock of provisions.

"Not at all," was the reply; "Government makes an allowance for
messing and wine. Sometimes an official will take a dozen or so of
champagne with him, as the allowance, though liberal, would
scarcely cover this; but it is quite sufficient to enable a captain
to keep a good table, and provide port and sherry."

Harry, seeing t