isks from pirates, from rocks and shoals, from hurricanes, from
enemies' cruisers, and from the unseaworthiness of some, it is a wonder
that we managed to bring the greater portion of the vessels under our
charge safe to their destination. Mr Schank's friend told him that he
had inquired for Mr Bramston, and found that he had for some years been
residing as a district judge in Ceylon, where, indeed, he had passed the
greater portion of his time. He understood that he was alive and
married, but how long he had been married he could not tell, or whether
he had married a second time. This much was satisfactory.

We had now been upwards of four years on the station, and were every day
expecting to be ordered home. The Admiral, however, told our Captain,
that not having more frigates on the station than he required, he must
keep us till we were relieved. We were just weighing anchor to proceed
back to Canton, when a frigate was seen standing towards us.

She soon made her number. "The Thetis." The signal book was in instant
requisition, and the answer to our question was: "Direct from England to
relieve the `Orion'." The signal midshipman threw up his hat as he read
it. A shout ran along the decks. Before she had come to an anchor, our
boat was alongside, and returned with a bag of letters and newspapers.
We delayed our departure that we might receive her letters home in
return. For a long time I had not heard from my mother. She was well,
and she gave me a very good account of Mrs and the Misses Schank, and
the dear Little Lady. But she said that she herself was sorely annoyed
by letters from Mr Gillooly, who still persevered in his suit. "They
are warm enough and devoted enough in all conscience," she observed, "so
much so, indeed, that I feel sure they are written under the influence
of potent tumblers of whisky. Though I never could endure a milk-sop,
yet I have a still greater objection to the opposite extreme. Besides,
Ben," she added, "my dear boy, however my friends may urge me, I wish to
die as I have lived, faithful to the memory of your brave father."

I could not but applaud the resolution of my mother, at the same time
that I felt anxious that she should do whatever would most conduce to
her happiness. The officers and parties of the ships' companies having
exchanged visits with each other, we bade our relief farewell, and with
joyous hearts made sail for Old England.

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE