soon will you be ready to sail again?" he asked.

"Directly our damages have been repaired, and they won't take long,
sir," was the answer.

"That is right. I have received information that a desperate fellow in
command of a craft somewhat larger than the _Active_ has been pillaging
vessels of all nations, and it will be a feather in your cap if you take
her."

"I'll do my best, sir," answered Rayner.

In two days the _Active_ was again at sea. Within a fortnight, after a
long chase, she had fought and driven on shore a large schooner, got her
off again, and recaptured two of her prizes, returning in triumph with
all three to Jamaica.

He and Oliver were highly complimented on their success. The admiral,
who was still in the harbour, invited them to dine on board the
flagship.

"Mr Horrocks has just obtained his promotion, and you are thus, Mr
Rayner, first lieutenant of the _Lily_; and, Mr Crofton, I intend to
give you an acting order as second lieutenant, and I hope that before
long you will be confirmed in your rank."

This was good news. With happy hearts the two friends went on board the
_Lily_, which was now ready for sea. They found Lieutenant Horrocks
packing up, ready to go on board a frigate just sailing for England.

"I expect to enjoy a few weeks' hunting before I get a ship, and when I
do get one I shall be very glad to have you, Rayner, with me, should you
be unemployed," he said as they parted.

Rayner would have preferred retaining the command of the _Active_, but
an officer older than himself was appointed to her, and he could not
complain.

Once more the _Lily_ was at sea. She cruised for some months, during
which she captured several prizes, and cut out two others in a very
gallant manner under the guns of a strong battery. Oliver soon
afterwards had the satisfaction of being confirmed in his rank as
lieutenant.

Though Commander Saltwell made honourable mention of our hero on each
occasion, he received no further recognition of his services. "I have
no business to complain," he observed. "My position is only that of
many others who have done more than I have, but I should like to be
wearing an epaulette on my right shoulder when we get home, and obtain a
command with you, Oliver, as my first lieutenant."

With this exception, Rayner never alluded to the subject.

The _Lily's_ cruise was nearly up. She had lately sent away in her
prizes her master and several petty officers