tain Oughton, and the spirited defence of the Windsor
Castle, were the _making_ of Newton Forster. As a subordinate officer
he might have been obliged to toil many years before he could have
ascended to the summit of the ladder of promotion; and during the time
which he remained in that situation, what chance had he of making an
independence, and proposing for the hand of Isabel Revel? But now, that
by a chain of circumstances peculiarly fortuitous, he was in command of
an East Indiaman, returning home after having beat off a vessel of equal
if not superior force, and preserved a cargo of immense value, he felt
confident that he not only would be confirmed to his rank which he was
now called upon to assume, but that he had every prospect of being
employed. As a captain of an Indiaman, he was aware that reception into
society, wealth, and consideration awaited him; and, what made his heart
to swell with gratitude and exultation, was the feeling that soon he
would be enabled to aspire to the hand of one to whom he had so long
been ardently attached.

As the Windsor Castle plunged through the roaring and complaining seas,
with all the impetus of weight in motion, Newton's eyes were radiant
with hope, although his demeanour towards Isabel was, from the peculiar
circumstances attending their situation, more delicately reserved than
before.

When the Windsor Castle touched at St. Helena, Newton had the good
fortune to obtain a supply of able seamen, more than sufficient for the
remanning of his ship. They had been sent there in an empty brig by a
French privateer, who had captured many vessels, and had been
embarrassed with the number of her prisoners. Having obtained the
stores which were required, Newton lost no time in prosecuting his
voyage to England.

It was about a fortnight after they had quitted St. Helena that a
strange sail was reported on the starboard bow; and, as they neared her,
it was evident that her foremast was gone, and that she was otherwise in
a disabled state.--When the Indiaman was within a mile, the stranger
threw out neutral colours, and hoisted a whiff, half-mast down, as a
signal that she was in distress. Newton ordered the ship to be kept
away, and when alongside of the vessel, lowered down a boat, and sent
the third mate to ascertain what assistance could be afforded. With
sailors, thank God! distress, is sufficient to obtain assistance, and
the nation or country are at once merged in t