sed that
you would have been able to do it, but I shall never forget your
bravery. I long to come back to Kingston, to see you again, and tell
you so. But papa says that you are not likely to obtain leave, so I
must wait patiently till we have beaten the French and Spaniards who
threaten to invade our island, and peace is restored. I wish I could
promise to do as you ask me, but mamma says I should be very foolish
if I did. Do you know, I think so likewise; because it may be years
and years before you are a commander, or even a lieutenant; but I want
you to understand, notwithstanding, that I like you very much, and am
very grateful, and shall always be so, as long as I live. So, my dear
Tom, believe me, your sincere friend,--Lucy Talboys."

"It's very clear, Tom, that Miss Lucy will not commit herself, and it's
fortunate for you probably that she is so hardhearted," I observed.
"I'd advise you not to be downcast about the matter, and be content with
the friendship and gratitude of her family."

Tom, however, looked very melancholy, and some time afterwards Chaffey
observed to me that he was sure something was amiss with Tom, as he was
completely off his feed.

While we were allowed to go on shore our life was pleasant enough, but
when confined on board it was somewhat dreary work, and we all longed
for a change of some sort. A climate with the thermometer at ninety
doesn't conduce to high spirits.

We were aroused one evening as most of us were below, by Sinnet rushing
into the berth, and exclaiming--

"The _Glasgow_ is on fire, and the boats are ordered away to her
assistance."

The _Glasgow_ was a frigate, lying at no great distance from us, and was
to have sailed with the land breeze with a company of troops to the
westward. We hurried on deck. Our boats were being lowered, as were
those of the other ships in the harbour. Smoke in dense volumes was
rising from the hatchways of the _Glasgow_, and more was pouring out of
her ports. Her crew were at their stations, hauling up buckets of
water, and labouring like brave men to quench the rising flames; but all
their efforts, as far as I could see, were ineffectual. Nettleship and
some of the older midshipmen went off in the boats.

"I hope that they'll draw the charges of their guns, or we shall have
some of their shot rattling on board us," said Tom. "There are plenty
of boats, so I don't suppose any of the crew will be lost."