on in the right quarter; Sir James has spoken to me about you on
more than one occasion; and your promotion is certain. If you go on as
you have begun, Ralph, I predict that you will mount the ratlines
rapidly. Now, we will breakfast at ten o'clock, if that will suit you,
and then I will go with you myself to the Admiralty with the despatches.
My gout? Pooh! I'll lay a crown it will be gone by the time I turn
out in the morning; and if it is not, it is not bad enough to keep me at
anchor here when I can perhaps do you a good turn. I'll introduce you
to Sir James; I should like him to see for himself the sort of lad you
are. Now; good-night! Tim will attend to you. God bless you, my boy."

I trundled off, Timothy leading the way with a light in each hand for
the room which I had formerly occupied, and, having undressed with the
assistance of my somewhat garrulous attendant, tumbled into the
luxurious bed, and immediately fell into a sound sleep.

The arrangement of the previous night was duly carried out, Sir
Peregrine's gout having, as he had predicted, been merciful enough to
afford him a respite.

We drove to the Admiralty, and I sent in my despatch-box. My uncle also
sent in his card.

Half an hour elapsed, Sir James happening to be engaged when we arrived,
and then Sir Peregrine was admitted to the august presence. Another
half-hour passed, at the expiration of which time I also was invited
into the sanctum. My uncle introduced me; Sir James uttered a few
complimentary phrases upon my past conduct, informed me that "he had his
eye upon me," presented two fingers for me to shake, gave his entire
hand to my uncle, and we were dismissed. As we passed through the outer
office it was intimated to me that my presence would be required there
at noon next day.

"That's a good job well over," ejaculated my uncle, as we once more
seated ourselves in the carriage and drove off. "You are in high
favour, let me tell you, my boy," he continued. "Lord Hood has referred
to you in very flattering terms in his despatches, in connexion with
that hare-brained escapade of yours at Bastia; and Sir James has assured
me of the very great satisfaction with which he views your conduct, and
has promised moreover that he will take the earliest possible
opportunity to show his appreciation of it. Now, where shall we go? I
suppose you do not feel very much in cue for sight-seeing, with your
wounded arm, eh? Very well; then