tain Bates, or rather
Stephen Battiscombe.

"Yes, it is a very different affair from the landing of the unfortunate
Duke of Monmouth and his handful of men," answered his friend. "This
time we shall gain the victory, and drive James Stuart from his throne."

The Governor of Plymouth had sent word to the Prince that the garrison
he commanded, and most of the inhabitants of the city, were ready to
join him. The Prince was advancing towards London.

The captains returned to their ships, and Benbow resolved to remain on
board his vessel till he could ascertain what side the rest of the fleet
were likely to take. On his saying that he would sail eastward to look
after the British fleet in the Medway, the men of all the ships came aft
to their respective captains.

"We were forced aboard these ships you see, Captain," said the principal
speaker, "but we did not come to fight for King James. We came to serve
our country, and now we find that there is a good chance of our getting
a Protestant King. We have made up our minds to join him, whatever the
rest of the fleet may do."

"I am not the man to say you nay," answered Stephen Battiscombe. "I
obtained my liberty without having to thank King James for it, and I am
bound, therefore, neither by honour nor principle to serve him.
Moreover, I am pretty confident that such will be the principles
exhibited by the remainder of the fleet."

Captain Benbow replied that his object was the same as that of his
men,--to serve his country.

They had not long to wait. On the 11th of December the reign of James
ended, when he secretly left Whitehall, throwing his signet-ring into
the Thames. That of William and Mary commenced on the 13th February, on
which day they accepted the crown of England. Now, neither Benbow nor
Roger hesitated to offer his allegiance to William and Mary.
Battiscombe had long been anxious to go home and comfort his father, and
he easily obtained leave from the Commodore to take his frigate round to
Lyme, and Roger obtained leave to go with him. With joyous hearts they
made sail. Roger led in the _Pearl_, and Stephen followed. From the
fact of his having kept to his adopted name, Mr Battiscombe was not
aware of his arrival, though the Colonel and Mr Willoughby were eagerly
looking out for Roger. They hired horses at Lyme, and set off,
accompanied by Charlie Ross. The day was advancing when they came in
sight of the Manor House. As they got near the