"Mr Easy, you have generally a few adventures to speak of when you
return; will you tell the Governor and me what has taken place since you
left us."

"Certainly, sir," replied Jack; "but I venture to request that it may be
under the promise of secrecy, for it's rather important to me and
Gascoigne."

"Yes, if secrecy is really necessary, my boy; but I'm the best judge of
that," replied the Governor.

Jack then entered into a detail of his adventures, which we have already
described, much to the astonishment of the Governor and his captain, and
concluded his narration by stating that he wanted to leave the service;
he hoped that Captain Wilson would discharge him and send him home.

"Pooh, nonsense!" said the Governor, "you shan't leave the Mediterranean
while I am here. No, no; you must have more adventures, and come back
and tell them to me. And recollect, my lad, that whenever you come to
Malta, there is a bed at the Governor's house, and a seat at his table,
always ready for you."

"You are very kind, Sir Thomas," replied Jack, "but--"

"No buts at all, sir--you shan't leave the service; besides, recollect
that I can ask for leave of absence for you to go and see Donna Agnes--
ay, and send you there too."

Captain Wilson also remonstrated with our hero, and he gave up the
point. It was harsh treatment which made him form the resolution, it
was kindness which overcame it.

"With your permission, Captain Wilson, Mr Easy shall dine with us
to-day, and bring Gascoigne with him; you shall first scold him, and
I'll console him with a good dinner--and, boy, don't be afraid to tell
your story everywhere: sit down and tell it at Nix Mangare stairs, if
you please--I'm Governor here."

Jack made his obeisance, and departed.

"The lad must be treated kindly, Captain Wilson," said the Governor; "he
would be a loss to the service. Good heavens, what adventures! and how
honestly he tells everything. I shall ask him to stay with me for the
time you are here, if you will allow me: I want to make friends with
him; he must not leave the service."

Captain Wilson, who felt that kindness and attention would be more
effectual with our hero than any other measures, gave his consent to the
Governor's proposition. So Jack ate at the Governor's table, and took
lessons in Spanish and Italian until the _Harpy_ had been refitted,
after heaving down. Before she was ready a vessel arrived from the
fleet, directing Captain Wi