th that
doctor, who appears a sensible man, that you had better go home
immediately."

"And leave the service altogether, sir?" replied Jack.

"Why, I must say that I do not think you exactly fitted for it. I shall
be sorry to lose you, as you have a wonderful talent for adventure, and
I shall have no more yarns to hear when you return: but, if I understand
right from Captain Wilson, you were brought into the profession because
he thought that the service might be of use in eradicating false
notions, rather than from any intention or necessity of your following
it up as a profession."

"I suspect that was the case, sir," replied Jack; "as for my own part, I
hardly know why I entered it."

"To find a mare's nest, my lad; I've heard all about it; but never mind
that, the question is now about your leaving it to look after your own
property, and I think I may venture to say that I can arrange all that
matter at once, without referring to admiral or captain. I will be
responsible for you, and you may go home in the packet which sails on
Wednesday for England."

"Thank you, Sir Thomas, I am much obliged to you," replied Jack.

"You, Mr Gascoigne, I shall, of course, send out by the first
opportunity to rejoin your ship."

"Thank you, Sir Thomas, I am much obliged to you," replied Gascoigne,
making a bow.

"You'll break no more arms, if you please, sir," continued the Governor;
"a man in love may have some excuse for breaking his leg, but you had
none."

"I beg your pardon, sir; if Mr Easy was warranted in breaking his leg
out of love, I submit that I could do no less than break my arm out of
friendship."

"Hold your tongue, sir, or I'll break your head from the very opposite
feeling," replied the Governor, good-humouredly. "But observe, young
man, I shall keep this affair secret, as in honour bound; but let me
advise you, as you have only your profession to look to, to follow it up
steadily. It is high time that you and Mr Easy were separated. He is
independent of the service, and you are not. A young man possessing
such ample means will never be fitted for the duties of a junior
officer. He can do no good for himself, and is certain to do much harm
to others: a continuance of his friendship would probably end in your
ruin, Mr Gascoigne. You must be aware that if the greatest indulgence
had not been shown to Mr Easy by his captain and first lieutenant, he
never could have remained in the service so long