on
ashore, on the eve of a general battle? I sincerely hope and trust you
will alter the last determination, and return to the first."

"You forget your own important interests--remember that possession is
nine points of the law."

"We had heard the news below, and Sir Reginald, Mr. Furlong, and myself,
were discussing the matter when I received your summons. These gentlemen
tell me, that possession can be held by deputy, as well as in person. I
am satisfied we can dispose of this objection."

"Your grandfather's brother, and the late head of your family, lies dead
in this house; it is proper his successor should be present at his
funeral obsequies."

"We thought of that, also. Sir Reginald has kindly offered to appear in
my place; and, then, there is the chance that the meeting with Monsieur
de Vervillin will take place within the next eight-and-forty hours;
whereas my uncle cannot be interred certainly for a week or ten days."

"I see you have well calculated all the chances, young sir," said Sir
Gervaise, smiling. "Bluewater, how does this matter strike you?"

"Leave it in my hands, and I will see to it. You will sail near or quite
twenty-four hours before me, and there will be time for more reflection.
Sir Wycherly can remain with me in the Caesar, in the action; or he can
be thrown aboard the Plantagenet, when we meet."

After a little reflection, Sir Gervaise, who liked to give every one a
fair chance, consented to the arrangement, and it was decided that
Wycherly should come out in the Caesar, if nothing occurred to render the
step improper.

This arrangement completed, the vice-admiral declared he was ready to
quit the Hall. Galleygo and the other servants had already made the
dispositions necessary for embarking, and it only remained to take leave
of the inmates of the dwelling. The parting between the baronets was
friendly; for the common interest they felt in the success of Wycherly,
had, in a degree, rendered them intimates, and much disposed Sir
Reginald to overlook the sailor's well-known Whiggery. Dutton and the
ladies took their departure at the same time, and what passed between
them and Sir Gervaise on this occasion, took place on the road to the
head-land, whither all parties proceeded on foot.

A person so important as Sir Gervaise Oakes did not leave the roof that
had sheltered him, to embark on board his own ship, without a due escort
to the shore. Bluewater accompanied him, in order to d