him, he is turned back
immediately."

"At all events, go in and try, and take a testimonial from Captain
Saltwell," said Mrs Crofton, who had heard something of the way
examinations were conducted in those days.

Rayner found, on inquiry, that, fortunately, a board was to sit the very
next day, and, meeting Captain Saltwell, he mentioned his intention.

"The very thing I was going to advise," was the answer. "I'll write a
letter to Captain Cranston, and you can take it with you."

Next morning Rayner presented himself on board the flagship, where he
found several other midshipmen ready to go up. First one, and then
another, was sent for, and came back with smiling faces. At last one,
who certainly did not look as if he would set the Thames on fire, went
in. In a short time he reappeared, grumbling and complaining that it
was very hard a fellow who had been at sea six years should be turned
back.

Rayner's turn came next. Comparatively but a few questions were asked
in navigation. He had no difficulty in answering those put to him in
seamanship. At last, Captain Cranston, knitting his brow, and looking
very serious, said--

"Now, Mr Rayner, supposing the ship you are in charge of is caught on a
lee shore with a hurricane blowing, and you find yourself embayed; what
would you do?"

"If there was holding ground, I should let go the best bower, and make
all snug aloft."

"But suppose the best bower is carried away?"

"I should let go the second bower, sir."

"But suppose you lose that?" asked the captain, looking still more
serious.

"I should cut away the masts and bring up with my sheet anchor."

"But in the event of losing that, Mr Rayner, how would you next
proceed?"

"I should have done all that a man can do, and should look out for the
most suitable place for running the ship ashore."

"But, suppose you could find no suitable place, Mr Rayner?"

"Then, sir, I should let her find one for herself, and make the best
preparations time would allow for saving the lives of her people, when
she struck."

"I have the pleasure to inform you, Mr Rayner, that you have passed
your examination very creditably," said Captain Cranston, handing him
his papers.

Rayner, thanking the captain, and bowing, made his exit. On afterwards
comparing notes with the midshipman who had been turned back, he
mentioned the question which had been put to him.

"Why, that's the very one he asked me," said his companion