house, they saw a young
lady walking at a brisk pace along the road, for the evening was cold.
She first gazed at Roger, and then at Charlie, who was a tall fair
youth, very like what Stephen had been. Turning round, she sprang
towards him, recognising in a moment her betrothed lover, still loved by
her. Throwing himself from his horse, their hands were clasped, and it
was some minutes before she thought of greeting her old playmate, Roger
Willoughby.

"It is but natural," he answered. "And right glad I am to bring honest
Stephen back to you, and I am sure the Colonel will be as glad as my
father."

Roger was not mistaken. A hearty greeting was given them by Madam
Pauline.

His duty to his father compelled Stephen, however, to set off for
Langton Hall sooner than he otherwise would have wished. Roger declared
that he must go with him. It was a mournful yet a joyous meeting:
mournful, as it recalled the death of poor Andrew; and joyful, not only
as he came back a free man, but having gained credit, honour, and a
considerable amount of prize-money. Stephen had no wish to continue in
the navy, for Captain Benbow had impressed upon him the fact that, if he
did, he must make his ship his wife, and he cherished the hope that he
might ere long recompense Alice, as far as he had the power, for her
long and devoted attachment to him. He had obtained permission from the
Commodore to leave his ship under the command of Charlie Ross. He knew
that she would be well looked after during his absence.

Among the captains who remained faithful to James was Captain Benbow,
although his crew, as well as those of most others, desired at once to
join William of Orange; but as soon as William and Mary had been
declared Sovereigns of England, he and many others, to the great
satisfaction of their crews, sailed up the Thames to offer their
allegiance. Shortly after this, Stephen and Roger received a summons
from their old captain to come up to London. They had there the honour
of being introduced to the King, who complimented them on their
gallantry, and confirmed them both in their rank, at he did also with
others who had followed Benbow, while he himself was permanently made a
Commodore. Stephen, however, thanking His Majesty for his kindness,
begged leave to retire from the service, while expressing his desire at
the same time to serve him on shore in whatever capacity the King might
think fit to employ him.

Roger return