ulder, told him that the
captain wanted to speak to him.

Bill went aft, feeling somewhat alarmed at the thoughts of being spoken
to by the captain.

On the previous evening he had been excited by being impressed with the
importance of the matter he was about to communicate, but now he had
time to wonder what the captain would say to him.

He met Tom and Jack by the way.

"Where are you going?" asked Tom.

Bill told him.

"I shouldn't wish to be in your shoes," remarked Tom. "What have you
been about?"

Bill could not stop to answer, but followed his conductor to the cabin
door.

The sentry, without inquiry, admitted him.

The captain, who was seated at a table in the cabin, near which the
first lieutenant was standing, received him with a kind look.

"What is your name, boy?" he asked.

"William Rayner, sir," said Bill.

"Can you read and write pretty well?"

"No great hand at either, sir," answered Bill. "Mother taught me when I
was a little chap, but I have not had much chance of learning since
then."

"Should you like to improve yourself?" asked the captain.

"Yes, sir; but I have not books, or paper, or pens."

"We'll see about that," said the captain. "The information you gave me
last night was of the greatest importance, and I wish to find some means
of rewarding you. When we reach England, I will make known your conduct
to the proper authorities, and I should like to communicate with your
parents."

"Please, sir, I have no parents; they are both dead, and I have no
relations that I know of; but I am much obliged to you, sir," answered
Bill, who kept wondering what the captain was driving at.

"Well, my boy, I will keep an eye on you," said the captain. "Mr
Saltwell, you will see what is best to be done with William Rayner," he
added, turning to the first lieutenant. "If you wish to learn to read
and write, you can come and get instruction every day from my clerk, Mr
Finch. I will give him directions to teach you; but remember you are
not forced to do it."

"Thank you, sir," said Bill. "I should like to learn very much."

After a few more words, the captain dismissed Bill, who felt greatly
relieved when the formidable interview was over.

As he wisely kept secret the fact of his having given information of the
mutiny, his messmates wondered what could have induced the captain so
suddenly to take an interest in him.

Every day he went aft for his lesson, and Mr Finch, who was