erter offered to guide any party
formed to cut off the train. Commander Worth, of the _Hastings_,
undertook to accomplish the dangerous service; and numbers of officers
and men volunteered to accompany him. Jack and Murray and Adair were
among others eager to go. However, it was not likely that more than one
midshipman from the frigate would be allowed to accompany the
expedition. The morning of the day in which it was to take place,
Murray had been sent with a message on board the _Hastings_. He came
back with a flush on his cheek and a look of intense satisfaction on his
countenance.

"Jack, Terence, my dear fellows, congratulate me. I'm to go. W--, who
has known me for some time, has applied for me. He did so in most
flattering terms. He said he wanted a midshipman who would be calm and
collected whatever might occur, and yet one on whose courage and
resolution he could perfectly rely, and he has selected me. It is that
he has spoken of me in such flattering terms that has given me so much
pleasure. I wish that you two fellows were going also."

"I wish we were," said Jack. "But I congratulate you, Alick; you'll do
justice to W--'s choice. That I know right well."

"There will be more work to be done than when we attacked the pirate's
stronghold the other day," observed Adair. "Well, I hope that my turn
will come before long; I don't feel as if I had any right to wear starch
in my shirt-collar till I've taken part in some real downright
fighting."

Jack and Terence warmly shook Murray's hand, as he stepped into the boat
which was to convey him on board the _Hastings_.

"I say, old fellow, don't now forget to come back to us safe and sound
in life and limb," cried Terence, laughing; "remember the fright I gave
you and Jack. Don't give him and me the same, and we'll take care that
Pigeon does not malign your character in your absence."

Away went Murray. To say that he was in high glee would be to use a
wrong term. There was a calm satisfaction and proud joy in his heart at
the thought that the time had arrived when he might have an opportunity
of distinguishing himself in the noble profession he had chosen, and to
which he was so devotedly attached. Neither Rogers nor Adair would have
felt as he did; and yet, though neither of them could be considered less
brave than he was, yet in reality he was the bravest of all three,
because his mind was so constituted that he clearly saw all the dangers