your
commander's rank."

These remarks of the admiral were indeed encouraging. Rayner, of
course, said what was proper in return, and pocketing his commission,
bowed and took his departure for the shore, which he had to visit to
obtain a new uniform and other articles.

Lascelles had been removed to the hospital, where he was to remain until
he was sufficiently recovered to go home. Rayner's only regret was
being parted from Oliver, the dangers they had gone through together
having united them like brothers.

While, however, their ships were refitting they were constantly in each
other's society.

"I wish that I had the chance of getting appointed to your ship," said
Oliver. "The _Ariel_ will soon be going home, but for the sake of being
with you I should be glad to remain out another year or two. I am well
seasoned by this time, and have no fear of Yellow Jack."

Not many days after this the senior mate of the _Lily_ was taken very
ill while on shore. His shipmates declared that it was in consequence
of his chagrin at finding that Rayner had obtained his promotion before
him. They were heartily sorry at having made so unkind a remark, when
in two days news were received on board that the poor fellow had fallen
a victim to yellow fever.

Rayner at once advised Oliver to make application for the vacancy. He
did so; the admiral appointed him to the _Lily_, and Captain Saltwell
was very glad to have him on board.

Le Duc, who had been landed at Kingston, came on board one day while the
ship was fitting out and begged to speak to the second lieutenant,
Monsieur Rayner.

"Ah, monsieur, the first thing I did on landing was to purchase a
violin, and the next to play it, and I have fiddled with such good
effect that I have played my way into the heart of a Creole young lady
whose father is wonderfully rich, and as I can turn my hand to other
things besides fiddling, he has accepted me as his daughter's husband,
and we are to be married soon. I propose settling at Kingston as
professor of music and dancing, teacher of languages, and other polite
arts; besides which I can make fiddles, harpsichords, and other
instruments; I am also a first-rate cook. Indeed, monsieur lieutenant,
I should blush were I to speak more of my accomplishments."

"I congratulate you heartily," said Rayner, "and I sincerely hope that
you will be successful in your new condition. You will, I doubt not, be
far happier living on shore w