sailing at once, as had been intended, she had to wait
several days.

True Blue's gallant conduct had been observed both by the first
lieutenant and the master, and when the Captain came on board it was
reported to him.

"I think I must know the man," he observed. "A fine young fellow--an
old shipmate of mine in the _Ruby_."

True Blue was sent for. The recognition was mutual. He told his story,
and described also how he had been at the former capture of the
_Vengeur_.

"I do not doubt a word you say," said the Captain. "Still, here you
are. I am unwilling to lose you, and am not compelled to release you.
I will give you any rating you like to select in the ship."

"Thank you, sir, heartily," answered True Blue; "but I belong to the
_Gannet_, and have no right to desert her, and have all my best friends
aboard her. I would rather be put ashore to join her as soon as I can."

"But I cannot take any man's word for such a statement," answered the
Captain. "If it were known, I should have all the pressed men coming to
me with long yarns, which it might be difficult to disprove."

"Then, sir, perhaps you will take Sir Henry Elmore's word for it. You
know his handwriting, I daresay. I got this letter from him a few days
ago;" and True Blue handed in the note, somewhat crumpled, which the
young baronet had sent, saying that he had obtained longer leave for
him.

"That is sufficient warrant to me in allowing you to leave me, if we
fall in with the _Gannet_," observed the Captain, who was a man never
inclined, whether right or wrong, to yield a point.

True Blue felt that he was cruelly wronged; still he hated the notion of
running from the ship. Others put it into his head, but he would not
accept it. "No, I have been unfairly taken, and I will be properly
released," he said to himself. "I'll do what is right, whatever comes
of it."

The brig's repairs did not take long; but the arrangements respecting
the prize occupied the Captain some time, so that nearly ten days passed
before the brig was standing once more down the Sound.

Poor True Blue's application for a release had been ignored, and he now
felt certain that he should have to go out to India. As they reached
the entrance of the Sound, a corvette was seen standing in. She
exchanged colours with the brig, and proved to be the _Gannet_. Captain
Brine, who was superior officer, directed the brig to heave-to. A boat
shoved off from her, and, c