llower of his young master. He was about to
carry off the clothes to brush them.

True Blue saw the proceeding with dismay. "Don't take them away,
please. I have no others!" he exclaimed. "But, I say, I'm very hungry,
and shouldn't mind some bread and cheese if there's any served out yet."

"I can get it for you at once; but breakfast will be ready directly, and
you will find better things to eat then," said the footman, smiling.

"Oh, I'll be dressed in a jiffy, then," answered True Blue, jumping out
of bed and forthwith commencing his ablutions in sea fashion, and almost
before the footman had left the room he was ready to go downstairs.

Sir Henry came for him.

"Come along, Freeborn. My mother and sisters are anxious to see you.
They are in the breakfast-room. I am sure that you will like them."

True Blue, looking every inch the sailor, with his rich light curling
hair, sunburnt countenance, laughing blue eye, and white strong teeth,
followed the midshipman. He felt rather strange when the door opened
and a handsome, tall lady came forward, and, taking him by both his
hands, said:

"You saved my dear boy's life at the risk of your own. I owe you all
the gratitude a mother can offer."

She shook his hands warmly. He made no answer, for he did not know
exactly what to say, except, "Oh, marm, it's nothing!"

Two tall girls then followed her example, and he thought that they were
going to kiss him; but they did not, which he was glad of, as it would
have made him feel very bashful.

Mr Leslie came down, and the party were soon seated round the
breakfast-table. True Blue was very hungry, but at first everything
seemed so strange about him that he could not eat. However, the ladies
spoke in such kind, sweet voices, while they in no way seemed to notice
what he was about, that he quickly gained courage and made the beef, and
ham, and eggs, and bread and butter, rapidly disappear.

After the meal was over, some time was spent by Sir Henry with his
mother and sisters, while Mr Leslie remained with True Blue, talking
with him in a friendly way; and then he gave him a number of books with
prints to look over, which interested him very much.

At last his host came back. "Come along, Freeborn," he said. "The
coach is at the door, and we have numberless sights to see, which, truth
to say, I have never seen myself; so my mother will go with us to show
them. Is there anything you have heard of you would