this letter, we must narrate events of
which we have lost sight in following up the naval career of our hero.

About three weeks after the death of Admiral de Courcy, the
line-of-battle ship in which old Adams had sailed with our hero under
his protection, returned into port. The vicar, who anxiously awaited
her arrival, immediately proceeded there, that he might claim Willy in
the capacity of his guardian. Having obtained the address of Captain
M---, he called upon him, and opened his case by requesting that the boy
might be permitted to come on shore. He was proceeding to narrate the
change which had taken place in his ward's prospects, when he was
interrupted by Captain M---, who, first detailing the death of old
Adams, and the conduct of Willy, stated that he had sent the boy home in
the prize for an outfit. It was with great feeling that Captain
M--- was forced to add the apparent certainty, that the vessel, which
had never been heard of, had foundered at sea. Shocked at the
intelligence, which was communicated at a moment when his heart was
expanded, at the idea of having been instrumental in repairing the
injustice and neglect which had been shown towards his _protege_, the
vicar, not caring to mention to a stranger the family particulars upon
which his request had been grounded, withdrew, without even giving his
name or address. Three years afterwards, when, as we have narrated, our
hero again made his appearance, Captain M--- had no clue to guide him,
by which he might communicate the intelligence of his recovery to one
whom he naturally concluded did not make such inquiries without having
some interest in our hero's welfare.

The vicar, in the mean time, although he had every reason to believe
that Willy was no more, resorted to every means that his prudence could
suggest to ascertain the positive fact. For many months the most strict
inquiries were set afloat by his agents, whether a captured vessel had
been wrecked on the French coast. The prisoners at Verdun and other
depots were examined--rewards were offered, by emissaries in France, for
the discovery of the boy, but without success. Having waited two years,
all hope became extinct, and the letter now received by Mr Rainscourt
was from the vicar, acquainting him with the circumstances, and
surrendering up the property to him, as next of kin.

"Pray, Mr Rainscourt, may I ask the contents of a letter, the perusal
of which not only makes you so ge