in their own service, though they could
not doubt my abilities, and were duly grateful for the offer I had made
them. They would consider the matter, and let me know the result to
which they might come, but no promise could be made on the subject."

Miss Sally looked greatly relieved when she heard that it was not likely
her brother would go to sea, anxious as she was that poor Ned should
obtain the object of his wishes.

"We must not despair, however," said the lieutenant. "We know that God
orders all for the best, if we trust Him and do our duty; perhaps
something will turn up when we least expect it. I have been thinking,
Ned, how I can raise money enough to pay the required premium, and if I
can do that the matter will be quickly settled. After two or three
voyages to India, Australia, or round Cape Horn, you will have obtained
sufficient experience to become a mate. You will then be independent
and able to gain your own livelihood."

"That is what I wish to do, uncle," answered Ned, gulping down his
disappointment at the thoughts that he should be unable to enter the
navy, and some day become a Nelson or a Collingwood. In truth, matters
stood very much as they were before the lieutenant's journey, and he had
to confess to himself that the cost and trouble had apparently been
thrown away.

"Well, well, Ned, we'll go on with our mathematics and navigation, and
wait patiently for what may occur. You are young yet, and won't be the
worse for a few months more spent on shore if you make good use of your
time."

Ned followed his uncle's advice, and did his utmost to overcome his
disappointment.

Things went on much as usual at Triton Cottage. Ned frequently got a
pull in a revenue boat, but his great delight was to take a sail in one
of the fishing crafts belonging to the bay, when the fishermen, with
whom he was an especial favourite, gave him instruction in steeling and
other nautical knowledge, so that he learned how to handle a boat, to
furl and shorten sail, to knot and splice, as well as to row.

His uncle always encouraged him to go when the weather was moderate, but
on two or three occasions when it came on unexpectedly to blow, and the
boats were kept out, poor Aunt Sally was put into a great state of
trepidation until he came back safe. Nearly a month had passed since
the lieutenant's return home, and no letter had been received either
from the Admiralty or from any of the shipowners. The fam