harbour with her crew.

Meantime Hilary had reached Portsmouth and been rowed ashore, where he
went straight to the admiral's house. Captain Charteris was with the
admiral, and both looked very stern as he told his tale.

"A bad beginning, Lieutenant Leigh," said the admiral, "but it was a
clever ruse on the enemy's part. But you are wounded. Sit down."

"Only a scratch or two, sir," said Hilary piteously, for he felt very
weak and quite overcome as he handed his papers.

Just then he became aware of the presence of a plainly-dressed
gentleman, to whom the admiral, with great deference, handed the
captured despatches. He opened them--Hilary's first.

"Yes," he said, "a clear case; all blank. Now for the others."

As he opened the packet he uttered a cry of joy.

"This is news indeed. My young officer, you have done more than you
think for in capturing these. Captain Charteris, instantly--marines and
sailors, you can take them all."

"Yes, young man," continued the stranger, "this is a proud day for you.
It is a death-blow to the Pretender's cause. You have done great
things."

"In the King's name--hurrah!" cried Hilary feebly, as he waved his hat;
then he reeled and fell heavily upon the floor.

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE.

MEETING OLD FRIENDS.

Hilary Leigh's scratches were two severe wounds which kept him in bed
for a couple of months, during which he learned that the despatches he
had brought back after turning the tables on the Pretender's followers
had, as the high official had said, given such information that by their
means a death-blow was given to the plots to place Charles Edward upon
the English throne; and when he was once more about, it was to join his
little vessel, with his lieutenant's grade endorsed, and in a span new
uniform, of which he was deservedly proud.

The cutter had been pretty well knocked about in the fight, but she was
once more in good trim, and her crew, who had received a capital share
of prize-money for their part in the capture of the schooner, received
him with three cheers.

For years after, the _Kestrel_ swept the Channel pretty clear of
smugglers and enemies, and continued so to do long after Hilary had
joined Captain Charteris's ship, taking with him the principal members
of his crew, Billy Waters rapidly becoming gunner of the great
man-of-war, and Tom Tully remaining Tom Tully still, able seaman and
owner of the biggest pigtail amongst five hundred men.

F