ever, Stephen, you must choose for yourself. There is no saying what
may come of this business. You know that Lord Cochrane is a hot-headed
man, and one who does not mince matters. The Chilians, I believe, are the
brightest and most energetic of any of the South American peoples, but
that, you know, is not saying a great deal. Cochrane is sure to be
maddened by delays and difficulties of all kinds, and if so he will
certainly speak out in a way that will ruffle their feelings greatly, and
may bring on trouble.

"He is what is called an impracticable man, Stephen. He is himself the
soul of honour and generosity, and so is altogether unable to refrain from
giving vent to his indignation and disgust when he sees these qualities
lacking in others. He has ruined his own career here by his intolerance of
wrong, whether the wrong was inflicted upon himself or upon others. He has
rather injured than benefited the cause of our seamen by the intemperate
zeal with which he pressed his reforms, and by allying himself heart and
soul with the ultra-radicals. Such a man as he may get on well with a
people like the South Americans, his dashing bravery, his frankness, and
his disregard of ceremony will render him popular among the people at
large, but will raise up for him enemies innumerable among the governing
class. I cannot, therefore, for a minute think that the present
arrangement will be a permanent one. I say all this to assure you that you
cannot expect to find a permanent career in the service of Chili; but, on
the other hand, you will have the advantage of fighting under the bravest
officer of modern times.

"You will, I have no doubt, take part in some brilliant feats. And to have
served under Cochrane will, as long as you live, be a feather in your cap,
just as I feel that it is a great honour for myself, although it has been
to my pecuniary disadvantage, to have done so. I have exchanged letters
with Mr. Hewson on the subject. He has behaved with the greatest kindness
in the matter, and agrees with me that it would in some respects be a
great advantage to you. He has offered in the kindest possible way to
allow your apprenticeship to run on while you are with Cochrane, just as
if you were still serving with his own ships, and whenever you may return
to England he will reinstate you in his service, the time you have been
away counting just the same as if you had been with him. I expressed a
doubt whether your apprenticeship