begin to think that you know
all about everything. Now, tell me all about that affair of yours when you
lost your ship. Tell me everything you can think of, just as it happened.
Don't exaggerate your own share in it, but, on the other hand, let me know
what you did and what you said. You see I know very little about you as
yet; but if you will tell me all the details of the business I shall be
able to form some idea as to how far I shall be able to entrust the
carrying out of my orders to you, and to confide in your ability to
discharge any special missions on which I may employ you. You see, Mr.
Embleton, the conduct of the Chilians in that matter of the Carreras shows
that, however bravely they may fight, as yet they have not much idea of
subordination. They know nothing of sea-service, and the chances are that
interest and family will go further in obtaining the appointment of
officers to ships than any question of abilities; and it will be very
useful for me to have some one I can trust--even if only a junior
officer--to see that my orders are carried out when I cannot be present
myself; therefore, I want to gather from your story exactly how you would
be likely to behave under difficult circumstances. We will sit down in
these two deck-chairs; and you shall tell me the story exactly as you
would tell it to your father. Remember that I am in no hurry. This voyage
is going to last a good many weeks. The more you tell the story in detail
the better I shall be pleased."

So closely did the admiral question Stephen as to every detail that it
took many hours to tell the story. Even when he mentioned about the idea
that by putting some water in his watch-glass he could, when the sun was
overhead, use it as a burning-glass, the admiral stopped him to inquire
about the watch.

"Is it the one you are carrying now?"

"Yes."

"Then let me look at it. Handsome watch, youngster; did your father give
it to you?" And then Stephen had to break off from his story, and to tell
exactly how it came into his possession--the whole history of his trading,
and its result. The story was not brought to a conclusion until the
following afternoon.

"Very good, Mr. Embleton," Lord Cochrane said; "now I know a great deal
more about you than I did before, and feel that I can employ you without
hesitation in matters in which brain as well as courage is required. If I
had heard your story before I would have taken out that sailor as my
coxsw