cessful cruise.

It was with no little pride that Captain Ripley returned to Port Royal
from his first cruise, with the fine brig in company, the British ensign
flying over that of France. The admiral congratulated him on his
success, and at the same time put his commission and appointment into
his hand.

"You must be ready for sea again very soon though," said the admiral; "I
have dispatches to send to Halifax, and unless another cruiser comes in,
I must send you."

Pearce, rather to the admiral's surprise, replied with animation, that
he should be ready to sail that evening if required, provided he could
get water, fuel, and fresh provisions on board. The admiral gave him
permission to make everybody exert themselves.

By noon the next day the young commander had got his ship ready for sea,
and receiving his dispatches with a joyous heart, he shaped a course for
Halifax. A bright look-out was kept, but on this occasion it was to
avoid strange sails. He was only to fight for the purpose of escaping
capture. Halifax was reached, and Pearce having delivered his
dispatches, hurried up to Colonel Verner's house.

Miss Verner was at home. She started, and the colour rose to her cheeks
when Captain Ripley was announced. She put out her hand, and did not
with draw it, for Pearce forgot to let it go.

"Are you really a captain already?" she asked.

"Yes; that is, a commander. I am captain of the `Vestal,'" he answered,
and he told her how Captain Gale had, been compelled to go home, and
that he had been appointed in his stead. He mentioned also the number
of prizes he had taken--a matter which interested Colonel Verner more
than it did her.

"That young Ripley is a very fine fellow," observed the colonel to a
brother officer. "Why, in one cruise he must have made not far short of
ten thousand pounds as his own share of prize-money. A capital haul for
the admiral. Those naval men have better chances than we have of
filling their purses."

If Pearce had received attentions when only a young lieutenant, he was
doubly courted now that he was a commander, with an established name for
gallantry and energy. Alice Verner no longer hesitated acknowledging to
herself that she had given him her entire heart. She felt honoured by
his preference, and proud of it among so many others who seemed anxious
to obtain it. Halifax was always a lively place. There were a great
number of resident families with young people