he vessels through the Bosphorus into
the Black Sea. A fresh wind blew from the west, and in four days after
leaving, Captain Macvie anchored his ship in Sevastopol Roads, and many
weeks elapsed before a particle of cargo was taken out and landed for
the benefit of the much neglected soldiers--such was the disorganized
condition of the service. Macvie and his crew saw many a skirmish and
several pitched battles during their five months' stay in the vicinity
of wild wreck and ruin. In April, 1855, the cargo had been all landed
and instructions were given to sail at once for Constantinople. In due
course they arrived there, and received orders to go on to Smyrna, to
load hay and oats. Six weeks after passing down, she anchored in
Scutari and lay there until peace was declared in 1856, when orders
were given to take the cargo to Portsmouth. After about two years'
absence the _Boadicea_ arrived in England; and on squaring up her
accounts it was found that she had cleared more than twice her original
cost. Mr Rockfeller received his fortunate and esteemed captain with
much favour, and was not many minutes in his presence before he
intimated with an air of generosity that he would sell his shares at
par.

"I think," said he, "that you ought to hold half the vessel."

"Very good," said Macvie, "I will pay you cash for the number of shares
I require to make up my half share, but you must not ask me to pay the
original cost price."

"Macvie," said Rockfeller, "I wish you to be reminded that I gave you
eight shares to work off when you joined me. I fear you allow your
national love of money to lure you into forgetfulness."

"No, no," said the shrewd Scotchman; "you are wrong. I do not forget
you having done what you say, nor do I forget that I have paid you a
good price for what you were good enough to give me, and it is as well
that your attention should be drawn to the fact that, owing to my
foresight in chartering with the Government, the vessel has more than
twice paid for herself in less than two years. Besides, if you are not
satisfied with my services I have a very tempting offer from another
firm."

At this stage Mr Rockfeller showed signs of nervous twitching, and
interposed by assuming an injured air:

"Really, Captain Macvie, you must be reasonable, and not talk of other
firms bidding for your services. I feel you are more than a match for
me, and the thought of it makes me wish I had been born and reared a
Sco