so carefully watched over. "You are no longer to be
kept in that tub-hunting service, saving his honour your uncle's pardon;
but you are to go to sea in reality, in a fine, smart frigate, which
won't be letting the grass grow under her keel, I'll warrant."

"That's good news, indeed, Larry; where did you learn it?" I asked.

"From no less a man than the Captain himself, and that's good authority,
you'll allow," he answered, in a tone of no little satisfaction. "He's
a friend of your honoured grandfather's, and was a midshipman and
lieutenant on board two ships I served in. He has been lodging in my
house for some months back; and when he heard who you were and who had
brought you up and given you your sea-learning, says he, `Larry, you've
made a seaman of him, that I'll answer for. The lad shall go along with
me when I get a ship, for his grandfather's sake and yours too, old
friend.' Those were his last words, Master Neil, they were indeed; and
he's kept his promise, as I knew he would."

This very satisfactory information Larry communicated on our way to
Southsea. It was confirmed soon afterwards by my uncle, who followed me
up to Larry's house. He, as I suspected, had also made an application
in my favour, and had just received a letter from Captain Poynder--which
was, I found, my future commander's name,--desiring me forthwith to join
his ship, the _Harold_, which was, however, still in the hands of the
dockyard people. Though I would rather have gone afloat at once, this
was, I found, a great advantage, as I had thus an opportunity of seeing
her masted, rigged, and fitted for sea. Officers are often glad to
shirk this, for it is far from pleasant work, and Portsmouth is not the
most delectable of residences. I should advise all midshipmen not to
miss an opportunity of seeing a ship fitted out, if they possibly can.
They will find it will save them an immense deal of after trouble, and
prove the quickest way of gaining a knowledge of their future home.
Meantime Larry was as busy as a bee in getting my kit in order, aided by
his better half; and few midshipmen ever obtained so good an insight at
so cheap a rate. I got leave to run over to Ryde for a couple of days
to wish my aunt and young cousins good-bye. I asked after Alice Marlow.
I was in hopes of hearing that she was coming back to Ryde, that I
might see her before I sailed. I blushed as I mentioned her name, and
had a curious palpitation about