t matter,
although I think that we are pretty much of a size."

Stephen warmly thanked the captain and mate for their kindness, and then
went to the gangway and told the men waiting in the boat to inform the
mate that it was all right, and that he had arranged for a passage.

The voyage was a pleasant one. The mate's clothes fitted Stephen very
well, and he messed with the captain and officers, who were pleasant
companions. They were five weeks on the voyage, and Stephen was delighted,
on arriving at Rio, to hear that Lord Cochrane was still there, but that
the fleet would put to sea in a few days. He resumed his Brazilian dress,
and, after renewed thanks to the captain for his kindness, was rowed
ashore as soon as the port officials had paid their visit.

CHAPTER XX.

FRESH TRIUMPHS.

No sooner had Stephen reached the landing-place than he hired a native
boat to take him off to the flag-ship, which, with several of her
consorts, was lying some little distance off the shore and in front of the
Naval establishment. Several others were close in by the wharfs.

"They look in a slovenly state indeed," he said to himself, "infinitely
worse than the Chilian ships did when we first got out there. There are
two or three by the flag-ship that look in a fair state of order, but the
rest might be a fleet of big colliers, with their yards up and down
anyhow, their rigging all slack, and everything dirty and untidy."

In ten minutes they were alongside of the flag-ship, whose appearance
presented a strong contrast to that of the others.

Telling the boatman to bring up his bundle after him, Stephen ascended the
ladder. A petty officer came up to him as he stepped on to the deck.

"What is your business?" he asked him in Portuguese, which Stephen now
spoke fluently.

"I wish to speak to the admiral."

The sailor looked at him from head to foot. "Have you an appointment with
him?"

"I have not, but he will see me, nevertheless, when he knows that I am
here."

On looking round while the man hesitated, Stephen saw the admiral speaking
to an officer in captain's uniform. The petty officer, after some
hesitation, went up to the officer on watch, who at once came over to
Stephen.

"You want to speak to the admiral?"

"I do, lieutenant. I see him yonder, and if you will be good enough to
inform him that Lieutenant Embleton is here and ready to report h