the cat in
consequence."

Dick received a very different greeting from what he had expected. The
news of his behaviour had spread from mouth to mouth, and he was looked
upon by his messmates in a far better light than formerly. Seamen are
always ready to acknowledge merit, and his attempt to desert was
overlooked, especially when it was known among the men that he had been
put up to it by Ben Rudall. He was naturally somewhat nervous as to how
he might be treated by the captain, not being aware that Lieutenant
Mason had spoken in his favour, for he had no hope that Lord Reginald or
Voules would have mentioned his conduct on board the cutter.

At length his name was called along the decks. He hurried aft. The
master-at-arms, who had been looking for him, told him that he was
wanted on the quarterdeck. He screwed up his courage to brave the
worst. He found the captain and first lieutenant standing aft, as he
approached, hat in hand.

"Richard Hargrave, you entered some time back on board this ship, and
deserted. You made no attempt to return of your own accord, and were
retaken. You know the punishment, and discipline requires that it
should be inflicted," said the captain in a stern voice.

"I was pressed against my will, sir; and I did my duty in the action
with the French frigate which we took. But I wanted to see my mother
and blind sister, and I ran, and can't deny it. Now I've been brought
back, I'll try to do my duty. That's what I've got to say, sir."

"Have you nothing more to say?" asked the captain.

"Yes. When I was set free, I did duty on board the cutter, and helped
to take the French lugger. The commander says I saved his life; and
afterwards, when I was on board the prize, it was through me that the
lugger was brought alongside the cutter, and the Frenchmen, who were
rising on her crew, were overpowered."

"You acted well, then, on both occasions?" said the captain.

"Yes; I did what I thought was my duty," answered Dick.

"Still, you do not deny that you deserted, and had no intention of
returning?" observed Captain Moubray.

"I cannot deny it, sir," said Dick.

"You know that desertion is always punished by flogging?" said the
captain.

"Yes," answered Dick; "if it were not for the disgrace I shouldn't mind
it."

"It is a greater disgrace to desert your ship," said the captain; "but
discipline must be maintained, although, considering your gallant
conduct on board the cutte