over some forty or fifty stout
fellows."

The marquis rang the bell, while the midshipmen retired to their rooms
to prepare for supper.

Voules gazed round the handsome chamber in which he found himself, with
a well-satisfied look. "I have fallen on my feet for once in my life,
at all events," he said to himself. "If I play my cards well, who knows
what may happen? It is evident that his family think a good deal of
this young lordling, and I must take care to keep in his good graces.
He is fond of flattery, though it doesn't do to lay it on too thick, but
his sisters and mother will be well pleased to hear his praises sung,
and as I have a fair groundwork to go upon, I may praise him to the
skies behind his back; he is sure to hear what I say of him, and will be
more pleased than if I flattered him to his face. I shall thus get into
the good graces of the ladies, who may induce the marquis to use his
influence at the Admiralty to obtain my promotion."

His meditations were interrupted by the entrance of a valet, who came to
offer his services. Voules, supposing from his appearance that he was
one of the other guests who had mistaken his room, made him a polite
bow, and said something to that effect. The valet, uncertain whether
the young gentleman was a lord or a commoner, thought it wise to be on
the safe side, and addressing him as "My lord," said that he had been
sent by Lord John to brush his clothes and shoes, and as the
portmanteaus had not arrived, to put any of his lordship's wardrobe at
his disposal.

"Oh, ah! my good fellow," said the midshipman, discovering his error;
"much obliged to Lord John; but as there is not time to shift my
rigging, I'll just trouble you to give me a brush down and to bring me a
pair of slippers, and I shall be all to rights."

The valet quickly performed the duties required of him, and Voules,
perfectly satisfied with himself, followed him downstairs to the
drawing-room.

CHAPTER TWO.

VOULES MAKES HIMSELF AT HOME--EAGER LISTENERS--FIGHT BETWEEN THE WOLF
AND A FRENCH FRIGATE--LORD REGINALD'S ACCOUNT--MERIT AND MODESTY--A
BUMPER ROUND--VOULES MAKES HEADWAY--DICK HARGRAVE--AN ENCOUNTER IN THE
FOREST--SMUGGLERS--GOOD FAITHFUL--THE FARMER'S HOME--DICK'S MOTHER--
SOUND ADVICE--CONTENDING INFLUENCES--BITTER FEELINGS--A PRUDENT
RESOLUTION.

Several guests were staying in the house, and a large party were soon
assembled round the supper-table. The two midshipmen were ob