r to me
that I had done anything to be proud of; nor had I, indeed. I had done
what I ought not to have done. I wanted to see some fighting; I had
seen it, and just then I felt that I did not want to see any more. The
face of that dead midshipman haunted me. I had had a sort of a notion
that midshipmen could not be killed, and now I had had proof positive to
the contrary. I felt unusually grave and sad. For a long time I could
not get the face out of my head. I believe that it contributed to sober
me, and to prevent me from being the reckless creature I might otherwise
have become.

Day broke as we hove in sight of the squadron, and loud cheers saluted
us as we brought up in triumph among them. A prize crew was put in
charge of the captured ship, and I returned in the pinnace with the
boatswain to the Doris. I was in hopes of getting on board without
being observed, but too many eyes were gazing down on us for me to do
that. Spellman was, of course, one of the first to discover me.

"What, you there, `hop o' me?'" he exclaimed; "how did you tumble into
the boat?"

"Don't answer him," whispered the boatswain, as we climbed up the side;
"I'll let him know what I think of you and him."

I ran down below as fast as I could to change my clothes and wash, for I
was dreadfully dirty, covered from head to foot with powder and blood.
The first person I encountered was Toby Bluff.

"Oh! Muster Merry, Muster Merry! Be you really and truly alive?" he
exclaimed, throwing his arms round my neck, and bursting into tears.
"They told me you was gone away to be killed by the Frenchmen, and I
never expected to see you more; that I didn't. But is it yourself,
squire? You looks awful smoky and bloody loike. Where are all the
wounds? You'll be bleeding to death, sure. Let me run for the doctor."

He would have been off like a shot, but I assured him that I was not
hurt. After he was satisfied that such was the case, I despatched him
to the cook's galley to procure some hot water, with which, and the aid
of soap, I managed speedily to get rid of the stains of the fight. By
the time I got to rights, breakfast was on the table, and I went into
the berth and sat myself down as if nothing had happened. I flattered
myself that my messmates looked at me with considerable respect, though
they badgered me not a little.

"Where have you been, youngster?" said one. "You'll catch it, my boy!"

"What have you been about, Mer