en the war came to an end.

"I shall never forget your kindness, Jacques; and if I am still at
Dover when peace is proclaimed I will run over to Dunkirk by the very
first vessel that sails."

"As for the kindness, it is nothing," Jacques replied; "and beside
that, you saved my life from that snake. I dream sometimes of the
beast still. And it was really owing to you that I am here now, and
that I shall get a round sum coming to me when I return home. If it
hadn't been for you I should not have been chosen to stop behind and
get three shares instead of one of the prize money. And in the next
place it is your doing that I am free to start at once, and to make my
way back as soon as I can, instead of spending four or five years, it
may be, in an English prison. Why, my Louise will be ready to jump for
joy when she sees me arrive, instead of having to wait another two
years for me, with the chance of my never coming back at all; and she
will hardly believe me when I tell her that I shall be able to afford
to buy that fishing boat and set up in a house of our own at once; and
she will be most surprised of all when I tell her that it is all owing
to an English boy I fished on board on a dark night in the channel."

"Well, Jacques, we won't dispute as to which owes the other most.
Anyhow, except for my mother, I am not sorry I have made the trip in
the Belle Maire. I have seen a lot of life, and have had a rare
adventure; and I have learned so much of sailor's work, that if I am
ever driven to it I can work my way anywhere before the mast in
future."

Ralph went on board his own ship as soon as he had seen Jacques off,
and was soon hard at work assisting to hoist on board hogsheads of
sugar and other produce. He was startled by the sound of a heavy gun.
It was answered presently by all the ships of war in the harbor and by
the forts on shore, and for five minutes the heavy cannonade
continued. The captain, who had been on shore, crossed the gangway on
to the ship as the crew were gazing in surprise at the cannonade,
exchanging guesses as to its cause.

"I have great news, lads," he said. "Peace is proclaimed, and Napoleon
has surrendered, and is to be shut up in the Isle of Elba in the
Mediterranean. No more fear of privateers or French prisons."

The crew burst into a hearty cheer. This was indeed surprising news.
It was known that Wellington was gradually driving back the French
marshals in the south of France, and th