ave way in which you jumped after the
other youngster; but I wouldn't say anything before that strange
captain. I know him well. He's a pest in the service, and always was.
Had it not been for him I should have been on the quarter-deck.
However, I must go and shift myself. Turn in and take a glass of grog;
you'll be all to rights to-morrow morning."

Now the excitement was over, I felt very weary and uncomfortable, and
was not sorry to follow his advice. As Mr Johnson had predicted, the
next day I was not a bit the worse for my adventure; but poor Gogles
took several days to recover from his fright, and the quantity of salt
water he had imbibed.

I found that Captain Collyer treated me with more than his usual
kindness, nor was I long in discovering that this arose from the account
the boatswain took care should be conveyed to him of my conduct. I
felt, however, that I was far more indebted to Mr Johnson than Gogles
was to me. I had jumped overboard from impulse, he with forethought and
deliberate coolness. The circumstance cemented our friendship more
closely than ever, and I am certain that he loved me as a son. With his
rough exterior, loud voice, and bravery, his heart was as gentle as a
woman's. I have seen tears trickle down his rough cheeks at a tale of
sorrow, while with purse and sympathy he was ever ready to relieve
distress, and I am convinced that he never wronged man, woman, or child
in his life.

Two days after this, the signal was made that the Pearl corvette was in
the offing. As soon as she entered the harbour, I got leave to pay my
cousin Ceaton a visit. He was an admirer of my sister Bertha, if not
actually engaged to her, which I thought he might be by this time, and I
was anxious to get news from home, as well as to see him. A kinder,
better fellow never breathed. His manners were most gentlemanly, and
gentle, too, and, though brave as a lion, he had never been known to
quarrel with a shipmate or any other person. He received me as a
brother, and very soon told me that, on his return to England, he hoped
to assume that character. He had a great deal to tell me about home,
and said that I must stay on board and dine with him.

Our pleasant conversation was interrupted by the announcement of Major
O'Grady. The name made me feel uncomfortable, for he was one of the
soldier officers who had dined on board the Doris, and appeared to be on
very intimate terms with Captain Staghorn. He