was somewhat in his favour.

Two weeks after this, her Majesty's ships _Dugong_ and _Blenny_ were
gliding under all sail across the Bay of Biscay.

"The frigate looks something like a dowager with her small daughter
following in her wake, sir," observed Jack, glancing his eye from the
brig to her big consort, as he walked the deck with his captain.

"We must try and make the little daughter win a name for herself out
among the Celestials," said Captain Hemming in return.

"That we will, sir, if we get the chance," answered Jack.

"Ay, Rogers, but we must make the chance," remarked his captain with
emphasis.

"So we will, sir," said Jack warmly. "There is not a man on board
who'll not be glad of it."

Captain Hemming had a sincere regard and respect for Jack, as Jack had
for him. They had both seen each other well tried and never found
wanting, and they could thus converse frankly and without reserve.
Neither Hemming nor Jack were people to talk without fully intending to
perform. Indeed, those who knew them felt sure that when dash or cool
courage, or perseverance and intelligence, were especially required,
they would show that they possessed them all. Jack liked his ship and
most of his brother officers, as well as his captain, and was a general
favourite with them. He had brought two companions, Adair's old African
follower, Queerface, which he had given to Jack; and a fine Newfoundland
dog, Sancho by name. Jack had intended leaving Queerface at home, as
Paddy remarked, to remind his brothers and sisters of him. The
compliment was somewhat doubtful. But the monkey had played so many
curious tricks, and had committed so much mischief, that no one would
undertake the charge of him; and therefore, like a bad boy, he was sent
off to sea again in disgrace. As was natural, Sancho and Queerface
became very intimate, though not at the same time perfectly friendly.
Each, it appeared, was striving for the mastery. Queerface, monkey
though he was, gained the day; and one of his great amusements was to
mount Sancho's back, and to make him run round and round the deck with
him, whipping him on and chattering away all the time most vociferously,
to the great amusement of the seamen, if not always to that of the first
lieutenant.

Jack had another charge to look after, a young midshipman, Harry Bevan
by name, who had been especially committed to his charge. The little
fellow had been a petted somewhat spoilt chi