ank--"

"I told you not to speak, sir," cried the lieutenant, angrily. "I
advise you not to be conceited, not to jump at the conclusion that you
are very clever, and not to begin to domineer over your messmates
because they flatter and fawn upon you on the strength of your having
thrashed Mr Terry. You see I hear all these things."

Sydney felt the colour rising.

"Take that advice and you may, if you attend well to your studies in
navigation, become a respectable officer. Life is not all play, my lad,
so think that one of these days you will be going up for your
examination to pass for lieutenant. Don't waste your time, and find
yourself, when a call is made upon you, perfectly helpless and be turned
back. It will be years first, but years soon spin round. There, I
think that is all I have to say."

"Frightened me nearly into fits, and only wanted to say that," thought
Sydney.

"No. Just another word. You think me a very gruff, fault-finding
fellow, don't you?"

Sydney was silent.

"I asked you, Mr Belton, if you did not find me a very severe officer.
Why don't you answer?"

"Told me not, sir."

"Humph! Yes; I did. But you may answer now. You do find me very
severe?"

"Yes, sir; very."

"And you don't like me?"

"No, sir."

"Humph! That's frank, sir. But I like it. Shall I tell you why you
don't like me? I will. Because I do my duty rigidly. Now one word
more. Don't say a word to your messmates about what I tell you now.
It's our secret, Mr Belton; and don't presume upon it, and go
backwards."

"I'll try not, sir."

"Good. Then look here. You have been a very short time on board, and I
have often found fault with you; but I like to be just. On the whole,
Mr Belton, I am very much pleased with your conduct. I felt prejudiced
against you, as I was afraid I was to have an addition to my young
monkeys in the shape of a spoiled, petted boy. I was ignorant then, for
I did not know Captain Belton so well as I do now. There: go to your
duties. You are awkward, clumsy, ignorant, and sadly wanting; but you
have got on wonderfully, and I think you will turn out a very smart
officer before you have done. That will do."

Sydney wanted to say a great deal, but he felt that he was dismissed,
and he left the deck and went down below, to avoid his messmates.

Not an easy task, for they were after him directly.

"This isn't the way to the mast-head," cried Jenks.

"Want the rope and