hatham, and a postscript to my mother's letter--I
went down to the saluting battery, when I found that the two vessels
were just entering the harbour. I went up and reported it at the
admiral's office, and the admiral went on board of both vessels to
examine them himself, and he ordered a dock-yard survey. They were both
pronounced fit for his Majesty's service, with the necessary dock-yard
alterations. The crew of the Diligente were turned over to a hulk,
preparatory to unrigging and clearing her out for dock. As soon as I
left the admiral's house, I sat down at the George Hotel, where I had
taken up my quarters, and wrote a long letter to Minnie Vanderwelt.

Cross called upon me the next morning. I saw by his countenance that he
had good news to tell me. He had found his lady-love as constant as he
could wish, and having explained to the blind old smuggler that he had
been offered and accepted the situation of boatswain in his Majesty's
service during the time that he was in the West Indies, he had received
his approbation of his conduct, and a warm welcome to the house whenever
he could come on shore.

"I have not put the question to the old chap yet, Captain Keene," said
he, "but I think I will very soon."

"Don't be in too great a hurry, Bob," replied I. "Give the old fellow a
little more 'baccy, and ask his advice as to what you are to do with
your prize-money. You must also talk a little about your half-pay and
your widow's pension."

"That's very good advice, Captain Keene," replied Cross. "Mercy on us!
how things are changed! It appears but the other day that I was leading
you down to this very hotel, to ship you into the service, and you was
asking my advice, and I was giving it to you; and now I am asking your
advice, and taking it. You have shot ahead in every way, sir, that's
sartain; you looked up to me then, now I look up to you."

I laughed at Cross's observation, which was too true; and then we went
into the dock-yard, and were very busy during the remainder of the day.

The following morning I received an answer from Lord de Versely, couched
in most friendly terms. He complimented me on my success, and the high
character I had gained for myself during so short a career, and added
that he should be happy to see me as soon as I could come to London, and
would himself introduce me to the first lord of the Admiralty. He
advised me to request leave of absence, which would be immediately
g