a flowing sheet to the banks of Newfoundland."

"Ay, if we are once free," muttered the master, who was not at all of
the touch-and-go school.

On stood the frigate. It was night. The midshipmen who had been
rescued from the fishing-boat were allowed, after their fatigues, to
remain below without doing duty for some days. Ronald could not sleep.
This was very un-midshipmanlike; he knew that it was Claymore's watch on
deck, and he thought he would take a turn with him. He dressed and went
on deck; it was not a tempting night; it was still blowing very hard,
and the frigate under close-reefed topsails was heeling to the breeze
till her lee-ports were deeply submerged, while the spray in thick
showers flew over her. Ronald soon found his tall friend.

"I like this," observed the latter with enthusiasm, rubbing his hands;
"the wind is strong enough to blow every inch of canvas out of the bolt
ropes, if it wasn't all good and new, or to send the masts over the side
if they were not well stayed up. We have the land under our lee, and if
anything was to go we should in all probability drive on to it. Now,
just consider the satisfaction of knowing that everything is as strong
and good as wood, iron, and hemp can be, and of feeling that one has
contributed to that end. There isn't a block, or a spar, or a rope,
that Jack Lawrence or I haven't overhauled. See the advantage. He
sleeps as soundly as if we were in harbour, when most other first
lieutenants would have been up and down fifty times to ascertain that
all was going right, and not have slept a wink. Take a leaf out of his
book, Morton--it's what I am doing, and intend continuing to do."

"Land on the lee-bow!" cried one of the looks-out forward.

Had any one been drowsy, that sound would have made them rouse up very
rapidly. All eyes were directly turned towards the quarter indicated.
The clouds had broken away in that direction, and a gleam of light fell
on the threatening headland. The officer of the watch sent a midshipman
down to call the captain and master. They were on deck almost as soon
as he was. The compass was consulted, and the bearing of the land
taken. The master then went below to consult the chart. Claymore
begged Morton to go and call the first lieutenant.

"We take things coolly aboard here, but he would not like to be below at
this time, and would thank you for summoning him."

Mr Lawrence sprang on deck after Morton. A consulta