ition, to speak to
them in a friendly way. Thinking highly of Jack as he did, he regretted
more than ever that his former messmate could neither read nor write.
He felt sure that he would, should he have an opportunity, do something
to merit promotion.

Bill commenced his new duties with a spirit and alacrity which was
remarked by his superior officers. He had narrowly observed the way the
midshipmen conducted themselves, and was thus able to behave as well as
the best of them. He was a little puzzled at first at dinner, but by
seeing what others did he soon got over the slight difficulty he had to
encounter.

Next day Mr Saltwell called him up as he was walking the quarter-deck.

"I have been making inquiries as to what can be done for your friend
Pierre Turgot," he said. "As you told me he was not willingly on board
the privateer, I was able to state that in his favour, and I have
obtained leave for him to be removed to a private house, where he can
remain until he has recovered, and he will then, I hope, be allowed to
return to France without waiting for an exchange of prisoners. Were he
to be sent back with others, he would probably at once be compelled to
serve afloat, and his great desire is, I understand, to return to his
own family, to follow his former occupation of a fisherman."

"Thank you, sir," exclaimed Bill, "I cannot be too grateful to you for
your kindness."

"Don't talk of that, my lad; if it hadn't been for your courage and
coolness I should not have been here. I am now going on shore, and wish
you to accompany me. I have seen the widow of an old shipmate of mine
who is willing to receive Pierre into her house, and to attend to him.
We will have him removed at once, so that when we sail you will know he
is placed under good care."

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.

WILLIAM RAYNER IS ENABLED TO SHOW HIS GRATITUDE TO PIERRE.

Will at once got ready to attend the first lieutenant. The boat being
alongside, they were soon on shore. Their first visit was to the
hospital, which, being overcrowded, the authorities were glad to get rid
of one of their patients. Pierre was placed in a litter and conveyed,
accompanied by Mr Saltwell and Bill, to the residence of Mrs Crofton,
a neat cottage standing by itself in a small garden. A pretty little
girl about thirteen years of age opened the door, and on seeing the
strangers summoned her mother, who at once appeared, and led the way to
the room she had