to
dispense with my valuable services, and the country will be the loser."

I was highly edified by Master Dicky's philosophy, and I at once
conceived a great regard and respect for him.

"Now, D'Arcy, my boy," he continued, in his free and easy tone, "it's
stupid work lying here between the blankets; so if you'll just give me
the loan of some of your toggery till mine are dry, I'll sit up at table
and crack a bottle of wine with you."

I had to remind him of the early hour, and to confess that wine our mess
did not possess, but that he should have some breakfast and hot tea,
which would be better for him, and that he should be welcome to my
clothes.

While he was seated at table, Hanks, who had gone on deck to see the
medico off, returned. "Well, D'Arcy, I told him how you had saved the
youngster and the other men," he said. "It will be a feather in your
cap, my lad, and you deserve to wear it."

"What!" exclaimed my volatile young friend, grasping my hand, while the
tears came into his eyes, "you saved me from drowning. On my word, I'm
very much obliged to you. I shouldn't like to have become food for
fishes just yet. I'd rather eat a few dinners off them first."

"Oh, faith, I could not have done less if you'd been only a sheep or a
pig," I answered, laughing; "so you've little to thank me for."

"I suppose, though, even a sheep or a pig would have tried to show their
gratitude, unless you had intended to turn them into mutton and pork
directly afterwards," replied Dicky Sharpe. "So, D'Arcy, I must look
upon you as my friend and preserver; and I just wish, when you can get
leave, that you would come down and see my governor and mother and
sisters. They won't make much of you, won't they, that's all."

I told him that I should be very glad to accept his invitation if I
could; but at the time I was thinking that my aunt and Miss Alice would
admire the feather Hanks said I might wear in my cap more than anybody
else. I never met a merrier or more contented fellow than Dicky Sharpe.
I was quite sorry to lose him when his clothes were dry and a boat came
alongside to take him on board his ship, the _Cynthia_, What was my
surprise to receive by her, at the same time, a note from the captain of
the frigate, inviting me to dine with him on the following day, stating
that he wished to thank me for the presence of mind I had displayed in
saving the lives of one of his midshipmen and several of his people.

"