to live in comfort, which I certainly could not have
done had I been wholly dependent upon my half-pay. Although it has been
most annoying remaining for so many years unemployed, I do not regret
having served with Cochrane in the _Speedy_, the _Pallas_, and the
_Imperieuse_, for indeed no three ships of their size ever inflicted such
damage upon the enemy's commerce, captured so many ships, or performed
more gallant exploits. When I am dead I shall leave instructions that the
words, 'He served with Cochrane in the _Speedy_, the _Pallas_, and the
_Imperieuse_', shall be placed on my tombstone. They will be by far the
most striking testimony that could be written as to my career as a
sailor."

CHAPTER IX.

IN CHILI.

Seeing that a boat was advertised to sail from Dover to Calais on the 11th
of August, Lieutenant Embleton and Stephen went over there on the evening
before; going on board at seven in the morning, they arrived at Calais at
mid-day. Mr. Hewson had obtained passports for them, and they went on next
morning by diligence to Boulogne. Stephen's chest was at once taken on
board the _Rose_. Making inquiries at the _mairie_ they learned that Lord
Cochrane had arrived with his family on the previous day from England, and
had put up at the Cheval Blanc Hotel. They therefore went there and
engaged rooms, and then called upon Lord Cochrane.

"You have arrived in good time, Embleton," he said as they entered. "When
did you come?"

"Two hours ago we got in from Calais, and I have just been on board the
_Rose_ and left my lad's traps there; then I found out at the _mairie_
that you had arrived and had put up here, and we have also taken up our
quarters in the house."

"We laugh at these French official regulations," Lord Cochrane said, "but
they have their advantages. If this had been an English town you might
have spent half the day in looking for me. I have not been on board the
_Rose_ yet; in fact, she only arrived here last night, and as the cabins
have been engaged for some time there was no occasion to hurry about it.
In fact, this morning I have been engaged in laying in a good stock of
wine, not for the voyage but for use in Chili. Of course one gets it here
a good deal cheaper than in England, as one saves the duty; and besides, I
might have had some trouble with the custom-house here if it had been sent
over. I don't suppose they woul