m. Ronald had been puzzled to know how to dispose of the elder Doull
and Archy Eagleshay, when the two old men applied to enter. At first he
was inclined to laugh at the notion, but when the captain saw them he
desired that they might not be refused.

"There is stuff in them yet--they will be useful."

They proved that Lord Claymore was right, and he soon rated them as
quarter-masters.

"We must be sharp in manning the frigate, Morton," said his captain.
"Promise largely. We'll redeem our word, depend on that."

Bills soon appeared, posted all over Plymouth:--"The `Pallas,' fitting
for sea, in want of a few prime hands. The fastest frigate in the
service--sure to come back in a few weeks with a full cargo of Spanish
pewter and cobs. Plenty of liberty at the end of each trip. Engaged to
make more prize-money in three weeks than any other ship in three
years."

Lord Claymore was not unknown to fame. Many men joined in consequence
of the deeds he had already done, and some, after reading the placards
or hearing them read, though they had no great faith in the promises.
Still, the ship could not be manned entirely without sending out
press-gangs.

At length the "Pallas" was ready for sea.

"I hope we may fulfil all our pledges," observed Ronald one day, after
the frigate had left the shores of England far astern.

"I am determined to do so," exclaimed the captain. "Morton, I have
lived long enough to know that a man can do nothing without money. That
is irresistible, in politics, war, or love--rather marriage; it conquers
all opposition. There is but one way by which seamen can make it. We
are on that course. We'll take good care that the opportunity does not
escape us."

Morton thought awhile. For the first time in his life, perhaps, the
idea occurred to him that money would aid his cause. "It may serve to
elucidate the mystery of my father's birth; or why can I not win my way
up to fame and fortune? I will show Colonel Armytage that the
boatswain's son may become his superior in rank, and surpass him in
wealth, just as much as the boatswain does in all the qualities which
make a man truly noble."

Ronald did not allow himself generally to give way to such feelings, but
they would arise in spite of him, when he thought of the ungrateful
conduct of Colonel Armytage towards him. Lord Claymore, who took an
interest in all serving with him, observed Morton's depressed spirits.
He, did not, however,