Wychecombe?" demanded the
rear-admiral. "In what manner can I possibly be connected with the naval
resources of the House of Hanover, when it is my intention to throw off
its service? King George's fleets will hardly aid the Stuarts; and they
will, at least, obey the orders of their own officers."

"Not the least doubt in the world of this, Admiral Bluewater! What a
glorious privilege it was for Monk to have it in his power to put his
liege sovereign in his rightful seat, and thus to save the empire, by a
_coup de main_, from the pains and grievances of a civil contest! Of all
the glorious names in English history, I esteem that of George Monk as
the one most to be envied! It is a great thing to be a prince--one born
to be set apart as God's substitute on earth, in all that relates to
human justice and human power;--yet it is greater, in my eyes, to be the
subject to _restore_ the order of these almost divine successions, when
once deranged by lawless and presuming men."

"This is true enough, sir; though I would rather have joined Charles on
the beach at Dover, armed only with an untainted sword, than followed by
an army at my heels!"

"What, when that army followed _cheerfully_, and was equally eager with
yourself to serve their sovereign!"

"That, indeed, might somewhat qualify the feeling. But soldiers and
sailors are usually influenced by the opinions of those who have been
placed over them by the higher authorities."

"No doubt they are; and that is as it should be. We are encouraged to
believe that some ten or fifteen captains are already well-disposed
towards us, and will cheerfully take their respective ships to the
points our wants require, the moment they feel assured of being properly
led, when collected. By a little timely concert, we can command the
North Sea, and keep open important communications with the continent. It
is known the ministry intend to employ as many German troops as they can
assemble, and a naval force will be all-important in keeping these
mustachoed foreigners at a distance The quarrel is purely English, sir,
and ought to be decided by Englishmen only."

"In that, indeed, I fully concur, Sir Reginald," answered Bluewater,
breathing more freely. "I would cruise a whole winter in the North Sea
to keep the Dutchmen at home, and let Englishmen decide who is to be
England's king. To me, foreign interference, in such a matter, is the
next evil to positive disloyalty to my rightful princ