the town in time to throw myself into the mail, and the next evening
joined Celeste and the general, to whom I communicated the unpleasant
intelligence, and requested advice how to proceed.

Lord Belmore called the next morning, and the general consulted him.
His lordship took great interest in my concerns; and, previous to any
further steps, advised me to step into his carriage, and allow him to
relate my case to the First Lord of the Admiralty. This was done
immediately; and, as I had now an opportunity of speaking freely to his
lordship, I explained to him the conduct of Captain Hawkins, and his
connexion with my uncle; also the reason of my uncle's persecution. His
lordship finding me under such powerful protection as Lord Belmore's,
and having an eye to my future claims, which my uncle's conduct gave him
reason to suppose were well founded, was extremely gracious, and said,
that I should hear from him in a day or two. He kept his word, and on
the third day after my interview, I received a note, announcing my
promotion to the rank of commander. I was delighted with this good
fortune, as was General O'Brien and Celeste.

When at the Admiralty, I inquired about O'Brien, and found that he was
expected home every day. He had gained great reputation in the East
Indies, was chief in command at the taking of some of the islands, and,
it was said, was to be created a baronet for his services. Everything
wore a favourable aspect, excepting the disappearance of my sister.
This was a weight on my mind I could not remove.

But I have forgotten to inform the reader by what means General O'Brien
and Celeste arrived so opportunely in England. Martinique had been
captured by our forces about six months before, and the whole of the
garrison surrendered as prisoners of war. General O'Brien was sent
home, and allowed to be on parole; although born a Frenchman, he had
very high connections in Ireland, of whom Lord Belmore was one. When
they arrived, they had made every inquiry for me without success: they
knew that I had been tried by a court-martial and dismissed my ship, but
after that, no clue could be found for my discovery.

Celeste, who was fearful that some dreadful accident had occurred to me,
had suffered very much in health, and General O'Brien, perceiving how
much his daughter's happiness depended upon her attachment for me, had
made up his mind that if I were found, we should be united. I hardly
need say how d