illing under difficulties will always make his
way in the world, while one who repines and kicks against his fate
only makes it harder for him. I have no doubt that if, instead of
taking matters coolly when you found yourself on board the privateer
you had fretted and grumbled, you would have been made a drudge and
kicked and cuffed by everyone on board. You would not have had a
chance of landing at that island or of being chosen to make the signal
when they went away, and you would now be leading the life of a dog on
board that brig. Cheerful and willing are two of the great watchwords
of success in life, and certainly you have found it so."

It was eight o'clock when the coach rattled up the streets of Dover.
Major Barlow had already offered Ralph to take him to Colonel Bryant's
quarters, and to ask the colonel to go with him to call on Mrs. Conway
and prepare her for Ralph's coming.

CHAPTER VII.

A COMMISSION.

Colonel Bryant was just rising from dinner at the mess when Major
Barlow and Ralph arrived at the barracks, and after congratulating the
lad on his return he willingly agreed to accompany them to Mrs.
Conway. A quarter of an hour's walk took them to her house. Ralph
remained outside when the two officers entered. Colonel Bryant lost no
time in opening the subject.

"I have brought my friend Major Barlow to introduce to you, Mrs.
Conway, because he has happened to hear some news that may, I think,
bear upon the subject that you have most at heart."

"Ralph!" Mrs. Conway exclaimed, clasping her hands.

"We think it may refer to your son, Mrs. Conway," Major Barlow said.
"I have just returned from town, and happened to hear that a vessel
had been spoken with that reported having picked up a lad from a smack
run down in the channel some five months ago, which corresponds pretty
well, I think, with the time your son was missing."

"Just the time," Mrs. Conway said. "Did they not say the name?"

"Well, yes. The name, as far as I heard it, for as I had not the
pleasure of knowing you I was not of course so interested in the
matter, was the same as yours."

"I think that there is no doubt about it, Mrs. Conway," Colonel Bryant
said kindly. "I consider you may quite set your mind at ease, for I
have no doubt whatever it is your son who has been picked up." Mrs.
Conway was so much overcome that she sank into a chair and sat for a
short time with her face in her hand, crying happy tears and thanking