it; so that if you only keep steady, you will command a sloop of war
very soon. You have now been seven months a lieutenant, for your
commission will be confirmed to your first appointment; a few months
more, and I hope to see you with a commander's commission in your
pocket."

I replied, that I was very grateful, and only hoped that he would send
me out in the schooner to where I might prove myself deserving of his
patronage.

"Never fear. I'll find something for you to do, Mr Keene. By-the-bye,
Lord de Versely told me last night, when we were alone, the history of
the duel at Martinique. You did well, Mr Keene; I thank you in the
name of our service--it won't do for the soldiers to crow over us,
though they are fine fellows, it must be admitted. However, that secret
had better be kept."

"Most certainly, sir," replied I.

"Now, then, there's that black fellow come up to tell us dinner is
ready; so come along, or you'll be where the little boat was--a long way
astern."

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.

The admiral was very kind to me, and shook hands with me when I left
him. I returned on board of the Manilla, took leave of the surgeon, and
master, and other officers, and then of all my mess-mates, and a boat
was manned to take Bob Cross and me on board of the Firefly. After the
boat shoved off and was a little distance from the frigate, the men
suddenly tossed up their oars.

"What are you about, men?" said I.

"Look there, sir," said Bob Cross, pointing to the frigate.

I turned round, and perceived all the men in the rigging, who gave me
three cheers from a pipe of the boatswain; a compliment which I had not
dreamt of, and which moved me to tears. I rose, and took off my hat;
the men in the boat returned the cheers, dropped their oars in the
water, and rowed to the schooner. I stepped on board, ordered the hands
aft and read my commission, and then Cross's warrant; after which I went
down into the cabin, for I wished to be alone.

I was now in command of a vessel, and not more than twenty years old. I
reflected what a career was before me, if I was fortunate, and never
neglected an opportunity of distinguishing myself; and I vowed that I
never would, and prayed to Heaven to assist my endeavours. Lord de
Versely's kindness to me had struck deep into my heart, and my anxiety
was, that he should be proud of me. And then I thought of the chances
for and against me; he might marry and have children; t