, from a remark which
Sir James let fall last night, and I have so far provided for it that we
can start in an hour's time. I feel so much better that I shall run
down with you. We will post down in my own carriage, and after I have
seen you fairly off, I will look in upon your father and spend a day or
two with them on my way back to town. I shall then be able to tell them
all about you."

I tried to dissuade the old gentleman from undertaking so fatiguing a
journey, but, having once made up his mind, there was no moving him from
his purpose; and accordingly, having partaken of a good substantial
luncheon, we started away about two p.m., and, after a pleasant,
uneventful journey, reached Portsmouth a few minutes before eight
o'clock in the evening.

We put up at the "George;" and, after ordering dinner, walked down to
the harbour, and soon made out the "Vigilant," anchored about a quarter
of a mile away. The tide was still flowing a little; so, jumping into a
wherry, we were soon alongside.

I found Smellie on board, and all hands, including a strong gang of
dockyard workmen, still busy, late as it was, putting the finishing
touches to the repairs. The provisions, water, and other stores had
been shipped during the day; but the boat, to replace the one destroyed,
would not be ready until the next morning.

My uncle had been trotting round, giving the little craft a thorough
inspection, during the time I had been engaged with my junior, and
expressed himself as being much pleased with her handsome model. When
we were ready to return to the shore he proposed that we should take
little Smellie with us; and we accordingly all three trundled over the
side into the shore-boat, which we had detained--leaving Hardy to
superintend the finishing touches--and rowed down the harbour again in
the light of a beautiful, clear full moon.

Sir Peregrine was in high spirits that evening at dinner; he said it
reminded him of his young days to be down there once more, and he
completely unbent from his usual stateliness, so that we spent a most
delightful evening, turning in about midnight.

I awoke early next morning, and, having roused out my second in command,
we walked down to the dockyard to hurry the people up with the new boat,
which they were just finishing off.

We returned to the hotel to breakfast at eight o'clock; and by ten a.m.,
having completed all my business on shore, we once more chartered a
wherry, and wen