tenance, was seated at a writing-table covered with a
green cloth, on which was a Bible and two or three other books, and
writing materials. He rose as we entered, and received us very
courteously, begging my father and me to take seats near him on the
inner side of the table.

"You will excuse me, if any cases are brought in, I must attend to them
at once. I never allow anything to interfere with my magisterial
duties. But do not go away. I'll dispose of them off-hand, and shall
be happy to continue the conversation. I want to have a few words with
you, Mr Cheveley, upon a matter of importance, to obtain your advice
and assistance. By-the-bye, you wrote to me a short time ago about a
son of yours who wishes to enter the naval service. This is, I presume,
the young gentleman," he continued, looking at me, "Eh! My lad? And so
you wish to become a second Nelson?"

"I wish to enter the navy, Sir Reginald, but don't know whether I shall
ever become an admiral; my ambition is at present to be made a
midshipman," I answered boldly.

"I am very ready to forward your wishes, although it is not so easy a
matter as it was a few years ago during the war time. I spoke to my
friend Grummit, who has just commissioned the `Blaze-away,' and he
expressed his willingness to take you. I think I wrote to you, Mr
Cheveley, on the subject."

"That is the very matter on which I am anxious to consult you, Sir
Reginald," said my father. "You mentioned that Captain Grummit insists
on all his midshipmen having an allowance from their friends of 50
pounds a year, and although that does not appear to him probably, or to
you, Sir Reginald, a large sum, it is beyond the means of a poor
incumbent to furnish, and I am anxious to know whether Captain Grummit
will condescend to take him with a smaller allowance."

"I am sorry to say he told me that he made it a rule to receive no
midshipman who had not at least that amount of private property to keep
up the respectability of his position," answered Sir Reginald, "and from
what I know of him, I should think he is not a man likely to depart from
any rule he may think fit to make. However, my dear Mr Cheveley, I
will communicate with him, and let you know what he replies. If he
still insists on your son having 50 pounds a year, we must see what else
can be done. Excuse me for a few minutes, here come some people on
business."

Several persons who had entered the hall, approached the ta