I can call for a court-martial, to
clear my character if I am superseded. I know that the Admiralty _can_
do anything, but still they will be cautious in departing from the rules
of the service, to please even Lord Privilege. I looked up at the sky
as soon as I left the Admiralty portico, and was glad to see that the
weather was so thick, and the telegraph not at work, or I might have
been too late. Now I'll go on shore, and report myself to the admiral,
as having taken the command of the _Semiramis_."

O'Brien went on shore to report himself, was well received by the
admiral, who informed him, that if he had any arrangements to make, he
could not be too soon, as he should not be surprised if his sailing
orders came down the next morning. This was very annoying, as I could
not see how I should be able to join O'Brien's ship, even if I could
effect an exchange, in so short a time. I therefore hastened on board
of the _Semiramis_ and applied to the officers to know if any of them
were willing to exchange into the _Rattlesnake_; but although they did
not much like going to the East Indies, they would not exchange into a
brig, and I returned disappointed.

The next morning, the admiral sent for O'Brien, and told him
confidentially, for he was the same admiral who had received O'Brien
when he escaped from prison with me, and was very kind to him, that
there was some hitch about his having the _Semiramis_, and that orders
had come down to pay her off, all standing, and examine her bottom, if
Captain O'Brien had not joined her.

"Do you understand what this means?" said the admiral, who was anxious
to know the reason.

O'Brien answered frankly, that Lord Privilege, by whose interest he had
obtained his former command, was displeased with him; and that as he saw
him go up to the First Lord after his own audience, he had no doubt but
that his lordship had said something to his disadvantage, as he was a
very vindictive man.

"Well," said the admiral, "it's lucky that you have taken the command,
as they cannot well displace you, or send her into dock without a
survey, and upon your representation."

And so it proved; the First Lord, when he found that O'Brien had joined,
took no further steps, but allowed the frigate to proceed to her
intended destination. But all chance of my sailing with him was done
away, and now, for the first time, I had to part with O'Brien. I
remained with him the whole time that I could be s