urage inspired me, and it was he, at all events, who
rescued you with the captain when you were on the boat's bottom."

"Well, some day I may prove that I am grateful," said Ashurst, turning
away, evidently unwilling to continue the subject.

The frigate remained some time at Batavia. During that period several
of the men who had formerly belonged to the "Sylvia" were transferred
from the "Venus" to her, among whom were Mike Coffey and Nat Midge.
Owen was very glad to see his old friends again. He had now an
opportunity of showing them occasionally little acts of kindness in
return for the regard which they had always exhibited towards him.

"Didn't I say, Mr Hartley, that you'd be a captain some day, and so I'm
shure you will if you stick to the sarvice," said Mike. "And shure a
fine captain you'll be afther making. When you want a crew you'll only
have to hold up your hand, and the men will flock on board, I'll stake
my davy."

Nat, although he had been so intimate with Owen never presumed in
consequence, but ever showed an eagerness to obey him on duty.

The "Sylvia" again sailed on a cruise in one direction, while the
"Venus" went in another.

Owen rapidly gained a knowledge of his new duties, and became one of the
smartest midshipmen on board. The captain showed him unusual favour,
frequently inviting him to dine in the cabin, and treating him as if he
were his son.

"I am not afraid of spoiling Hartley," he remarked to Mr Leigh; "he
remains as modest as at first, and would evidently not think of
presuming on the service he has rendered me and his other shipmates. I,
of course, do not forget Langton, and will take good care that he
obtains his promotion on our return home. In my last report to the
admiral I specially mentioned his gallant conduct. I received a pretty
strong hint to favour Ashurst, but he has managed never to do anything
which would allow me to say a word to his advantage."

The frigate was chiefly engaged in capturing Malay and other piratical
craft, which at that time swarmed in those seas. She had just taken a
large proa, with a villainous crew, and lay at anchor in a channel
between Mindano and one of the Sooloo islands. The prize was anchored a
short distance astern, most of her crew having been removed, while a
guard was placed over the remainder. It was a calm and lovely night.
The moon shed a pale light over the smooth surface of the sea, while the
land appeared on either