ish to
make a first-rate sailor of you, so I shall consider it a favour, if you
ever want instruction in seamanship, if you'll come and ask me, and I
shall be proud of affording it. There's many a wrinkle I can give you
which the quarterdeck officers might not think of. Some day, and I hope
it will not be long hence, you'll be my superior in the service, and it
will be my boast to be able to say, `I taught him; I knew he'd turn out
an honour to the navy.'"

Dick thanked Mr Bitts, and promised faithfully to take advantage of his
offer.

In the mean time, the frigate under all sail had been chasing the
pirates. Though she went much faster through the water than they did,
she had to make frequent tacks to keep them in sight. They were still a
long way ahead of her when darkness came on, and in the morning no sign
of them could be seen.

After spending some time fruitlessly looking about for them, and after
visiting several of the Dutch settlements lately taken possession of by
England, the _Wolf_ returned to Batavia, where the _Janet_ was landed,
and Dick, had he been so disposed, might have exhibited her as a
curiosity in naval architecture. Here also Robson and Pierre went on
shore, the former to obtain a berth as mate of an English merchantman,
the latter to return at liberty to his native country on the first
opportunity. From Batavia the _Wolf_ sailed for Madras, then, after
cruising for some time in the Indian seas, and capturing several prizes,
she was at length ordered home. She had made during the time she was on
the East Indian station a considerable amount of prize-money, and though
a midshipman's share is not very large compared to that of the captain,
Dick's was not only sufficient to obtain a good outfit, but he had
besides a well-filled purse in his pocket.

"I want you to make me your banker," said Lord Reginald, as they were
one day walking the deck together, and talking of home, "and that you
may make such presents to your father and mother and blind sister as you
choose, you must draw on me for your future requirements. I will ask my
father to get you on board the next ship to which I am appointed, and I
hope that by the time I am made a commander you will have become a
lieutenant, and that we shall still serve together."

Lord Reginald was somewhat surprised, though Dick thanked him heartily,
when he declined the first part of his offer.

"My wants are not likely to be great, and I hope t