all, I'll see what I can
do."

The two ships, with the flags of the commanders on each side, were now
engaged at close quarters, yard-arm and yard-arm, and completely
enveloped in smoke. This proved favourable to the purpose of the brave
youth, who mounted the shrouds through the smoke unobserved, gained the
French Admiral's main-yard, ascended with agility to the main-topgallant
mast-head, and carried off the French flag. It was soon seen that the
enemy's colours had disappeared, and the British sailors, thinking they
had been hauled down, raised a shout of "Victory, victory!" The French
were thrown into confusion by this, and first slackened fire, and then
ran from their guns. At this juncture the ship was boarded by the
English and taken. Hopson had by this time descended the shrouds with
the French flag wrapped round his arm, which he triumphantly displayed.

The sailors received the prize with astonishment and cheers of approval.
The Admiral being told of the exploit, sent for Hopson and thus
addressed him, "My lad, I believe you to be a brave youth. From this
day I order you to walk the quarter-deck, and if your future conduct is
equally meritorious, you shall have my patronage and protection."
Hopson made every effort to maintain the good opinion of his patron, and
by his conduct and attention to duty gained the respect of the officers
of the ship. He afterwards went rapidly through the different ranks of
the service, till at length he attained that of Admiral.

We might give not a few instances of more recent date, but the families
and friends of those "who have risen" do not always feel the same honest
pride as the great men themselves in the story of their life. While it
is true that no sailor boy may now hope to become "Admiral of the
Fleet," yet there is room for advancement, in peace as in war, to what
is better than mere rank or title or wealth,--a position of honour and
usefulness. Good character and good conduct, pluck and patience,
steadiness and application, will win their way, whether on sea or land,
and in every calling.

The inventions of modern science and art are producing a great change in
all that pertains to life at sea. The revolution is more apparent in
war than in peace. There is, and always will be, a large proportion of
merchant ships under sail, even in nations like our own where steam is
in most general use. In war, a wooden ship without steam and without
armour would be