ily were
seated at tea. The lieutenant could not help occasionally speaking of
the subject which occupied his thoughts, generally concluding by saying,
"Well, never mind, something may turn up!"

Just then a ring was heard at the door, and Jane put her head in to say
that Mr Hanson had called.

"I'll bring him in to take a cup of tea," said the lieutenant, rising
and stumping out of the room. He soon returned with his friend.

"Well, Pack, I've come to wish you and Miss Sarah good-bye," said their
guest. "Commander Curtis, an old friend of mine, has been appointed to
the `Ione' corvette, fitting out for the Cape station, and he has
applied for me as his first lieutenant. Though I had made up my mind to
remain on shore, as he is a man I should like to serve under, I have
accepted his offer, and am going off to join the ship as soon as I can
be relieved--in two or three days, I hope."

Ned listened, expecting that something else of interest to him was about
to follow, but he was disappointed. He was not aware that even a first
lieutenant could not obtain a berth for a midshipman.

"Very sorry to lose you, Hanson," said Lieutenant Pack; "you, I daresay
will be glad to get afloat again, as there is a better chance of
promotion than you would have on shore. We never know what may turn up.
We may be at loggerheads with the French, or Russians, or some other
people before your commission is over."

Their guest saw Ned looking at him. He divined the boy's thoughts.

"I wish that I had power to take you with me, Ned, but I have not, and I
very much fear that the commander will have given away his appointment,
and he has but one. However, when I accepted his proposal, I wrote
saying that I had a young friend who wished to go to sea, and should be
very glad if he would nominate him. I'll let you know as soon as I get
his answer, but I do not want unduly to arouse your expectations."

Ned heartily thanked his friend for his good intentions towards him, as
did his uncle.

"I knew you would serve him, Hanson, if you could, and if you are not
successful, I'll take the will for the deed," said the old lieutenant,
as he shook the hand of his guest, whom he accompanied to the door.

Two days afterwards a note came from Lieutenant Hanson, enclosing one
from the commander of the "Ione," regretting that he had already filled
up his nomination, and had just heard that the Admiralty had already
promised the only other vaca