attempts were made to snub me, I took them all
in good humour, as if they were intended as jokes, and finally
established myself as a favourite with the mess, and I may, I believe,
honestly say, with nearly everybody on board.

As soon as possible we went out to Spithead, and joined a large squadron
under command of Sir Peppery Portfire. We mustered altogether some
eighteen sail of vessels or more, and a very warlike appearance we made.
We were bound, we knew, for the Mediterranean; and we all looked
forward with no little satisfaction to our visit to that most favourite
of stations.

Our powder was next taken on board, with a further supply of stores, and
more midshipmen. Among the latter, who should climb up the side but my
quondam friend Dicky Sharpe. He did not see me, as I was aloft at the
time, and before I came on deck, he and his traps had gone below. When
my watch on deck was over, I descended to our berth, where I found him
busily employed in cramming his new messmates, and endeavouring to raise
himself to a high position in their estimation.

"You see, my good fellows, it isn't everybody has got a Minister for a
cousin, and a Lord of the Admiralty for an uncle," he remarked in a
consequential tone, as I got to the door of the berth.

"And I don't think you have either, Dicky, my boy," said I, laughing.
"But I am very glad to see you, notwithstanding; but don't be after
bamboozling us jolly greens now."

At first he attempted to look very indignant at the attack made on his
veracity; but no sooner did he recognise me than his good feelings got
the better of his love of trying to make himself of importance; and
jumping up, he seized my hand and wrung it warmly.

"Why, D'Arcy, is it you yourself, indeed?" he exclaimed. "I am
delighted to find you here, I am indeed. Why, messmates, if it hadn't
been for D'Arcy I should have been food for fishes; I should, on my
word. Think what a loss the service would have had."

A loud laugh from all hands followed this remark, though I verily
believe Dicky spoke in all gravity; but the fact that I had been the
means of saving his life thus came out. It raised me, I had afterwards
reason to know, in the good opinion of all on board; and Dicky himself
gained many friends by the feeling way in which he spoke of it. I was
very soon seated alongside him in the berth, and our tongues were
rattling away as fast as they could wag.

Dicky's propensity to brag, amusing