no more about it, neighbour Rogers."

On their arrival at Portsmouth they went to the _George_, and the
Admiral then took Jack to try on the rest of his kit.

"And I say, Mr Selby," observed the Admiral, "just shake the reefs out
of the youngster's clothes at once, will you; why you would stop his
growth if you were to swaddle him up in that way."

"Certainly, Admiral; but young gentlemen nowadays fancy well-fitting
trousers," observed the tailor.

"And tight-pinching shoes, which will give them corns, and prevent them
stepping out like men," observed the Admiral; "but though they are
silly, wiser people should not humour them."

Leaving Jack with the tailor, who was really a very trustworthy man,
Admiral Triton stumped down to the well-known Point, to have a look
about him, as he said. While he was standing there, with his hands in
his old pea-coat pocket, gazing out on the harbour, and thinking of
bygone days and many an event of his youth connected with that place, a
man-of-war's boat ran in among the wherries, and a youngster sprang out
of her, a small portmanteau being afterwards handed to him.

"Hillo, my man! if you're inclined to gain a shilling, just carry this
up to the _George_ for me, will you?" exclaimed the midshipman,
addressing the rough-looking, one-legged seaman he saw before him. The
Admiral was so tickled with the notion, that without saying a word he
touched his hat, and taking the portmanteau, stumped off with it,
followed by the owner. Two waiters were standing at the door of the
_George_. When they saw the Admiral they hurried forward.

"Pray, Admiral, let me help you in with that thing," they exclaimed
eagerly. At the same moment up came Jack. He burst into a jovial fit
of laughter. There before him stood Terence Adair, in midshipman's
uniform, the very picture of dismay.

"Oh, sir, I beg your pardon, I did not know you were an Admiral!" he
exclaimed. Just then he caught the eye of Jack, who had gone up to the
Admiral. Paddy's countenance brightened a little. "How lucky!" he
added. "Do apologise for me, Jack."

"Well, well, but I say, youngster, you are not going to do me out of my
shilling; just hand me that, at all events," said the Admiral, laughing.
"Another time save your money, and carry your shirt-collars yourself."

Terence, fumbling in his pocket, produced the coin, which the Admiral
bestowed on an old blind man who was passing at the moment. Jack and
Terence sho