_Mary
Ann_ transport--the loves of Captain Hogg and Miss Hicks--the adventures
of Gascoigne--and his plan, by which he baulked them all. The Governor
was delighted, and Captain Wilson not a little astonished.

"You prevented a very foolish thing, Mr Easy, and behaved very well,"
observed the captain, laughing again at the idea; "but you never told me
of all this."

"No, sir," replied Jack, "I have always reserved my stories for the
Governor's table, where I am sure to meet you, and then telling once
does for all."

Jack received his appointment as orderly midshipman, and everything went
on well; for, of his own accord, he stayed on board the major part of
the day to learn his duty, which very much pleased the captain and Mr
Pottyfar. In this Jack showed a great deal of good sense, and Captain
Wilson did not repent of the indulgence he had shown him. Jack's health
improved daily, much to Mr Pottyfar's satisfaction, who imagined that
he took the universal medicine night and morning. Gascoigne also was a
patient under the first lieutenant's hands, and often on shore with our
hero, who thought no more of quitting the service.

For seven weeks they had now remained in harbour, for even the masts had
to be made, when, one day, Captain Wilson opened a letter he received at
breakfast-time, and having read it, laid it down with the greatest
surprise depicted in his countenance. "Good heavens! what can this
mean?" said he.

"What's the matter, Wilson?" said the Governor.

"Just hear its contents, Sir Thomas."

Captain Wilson then read in Spanish as follows:--

"HONOURABLE SIR:--

"It is my duty to advise you that the Honourable Lady Signora Alforgas
de Guzman, now deceased, has, in her testament, bequeathed to you the
sum of one thousand doubloons in gold as a testimony of your kind
services on the night of the 12th of August. If you will authorise any
merchant here to receive the money, it shall be paid forthwith, or
remitted in any way you please to appoint. May you live a thousand
years.

"Your most obedient servant:--

"ALFONZO XEREZ."

Jack heard the letter read, rose quietly, whistled low, as if not
attending to it, and then slipped out of the room, unperceived by the
Governor or Captain Wilson.

The fact was, that although Jack had longed to tell the Governor about
his adventures after the masquerade, he did not like yet awhile, until
he was sure that there were no consequences--because he had give