being the general custom on board a
man-of-war for each of the ship's boats to be under the charge of one of
the midshipmen, who invariably goes away in her under all circumstances
of wind or weather for whatever duty she may be required.

There is little doubt that it is mainly owing to this practice of being
early trained to exercise their judgment and discretion, and taught to
command as well as to obey when young, that the officers of our service
acquire that dash and readiness of action which is usually found
lacking, it may be asserted without being accused of any insular
prejudice or partiality, amongst those of other nations, who never have
the same opportunities extended to them as a rule until they are almost
too old to learn.

Boat service has been the school that brought forth the Nelsons and
Rodneys of the past, as it has produced the Hornbys and Kanes and
Beresfords of the navy of to-day, so to speak; and, whether our sailors
have to fight behind wooden walls or in armoured turrets, the practice
will continue to teach self-reliance and the use of brains.

Ay, boat service will always stand our sailors, officers and men alike,
in good stead; despite the fact that they go to sea now in "floating
factories" instead of on board ships such as our forefathers learnt
their seamanship in, and that modern scientists, who treat everything on
strictly theoretical principles, and, though have never smelt blue
water, lay down laws for our guidance in the naval tactics of the
future, dictating how we are to act and fight and manoeuvre under any
and every possible prearranged contingency!

It was an awful sell, therefore, for poor Ned Anstruther when Mr
Jellaby was deputed to the charge of his boat and he was thus "left out
in the cold," as the saying goes!

Nor was his mortification in any way lessened when the commander told
him that the reason why he would not let him go, was because he could
not swim properly; for there might be danger in getting alongside the
wreck, with the wind and sea that was on.

So, Ned did not appear at all pleased when the lieutenant stepped
forward to take his place in the cutter, giving him an envious look when
he took his seat in the sternsheets prior to her being lowered down. I,
too, cast an appealing glance at Mr Jellaby; and this, fortunately for
me, Commander Nesbitt intercepted.

"I suppose you would like to go, youngster, eh?" he said to me. "Well,
you may, if you like.