loss to the British than five men wounded.

These proceedings, unheroic as they might appear, tended greatly to
bring the war to a conclusion. The _Flash_, with several other vessels,
had in the meantime been despatched to different parts of the coast to
carry on a similar work. Tom had a short time before been sent to serve
on board her. After he had been brought back to the _Tornado_, he
appeared a changed being; unless when compelled, he spoke to no one
except Higson, and they two seemed to have much interesting conversation
together. Jack observed it, and came to the very natural conclusion
that Tom was over head and ears in love with the Russian colonel's
daughter; he consulted Murray on the subject.

"Send him on board the _Flash_," was Murray's answer; "Adair and young
Desmond will soon knock all that sort of nonsense out of him. It never
does for midshipmen to be falling in love; it is bad enough for a
lieutenant--except under some circumstances," added Murray, recollecting
how both he and Jack had acted.

"At all events my father would not approve of his marrying a Russian,
even putting her religion out of the question," said Jack.

The _Flash_ being in company at the time, Jack pulled on board her and
soon arranged the matter with Adair, who very readily consented to take
charge of Tom. That young gentleman was somewhat astonished at finding
that he was thus to be disposed of, but he could not venture to
expostulate with his commander, even though that commander was his
brother. With a deep sigh he wished Higson good-bye.

"Perhaps if you are sending a letter on shore you will put in a word
from me to Feodorowna, and assure her that I shall ever be faithful,"
said Tom.

"As to that, Tom, I don't think there is much chance that I shall have
an opportunity of writing to anyone living in the enemy's country,"
answered Higson, who could not help perceiving the absurdity of the
thing. "You, with the interest you possess, have certain prospects of
promotion, and you will be giving them all up, and be separated from
your family, if you were to marry a Russian and settle down in this part
of the world. My case is very different; I have no interest--am getting
on in life, and shall probably not get my next step till I am old enough
to retire from the service. The young lady has, I'll allow, a fancy for
you, but she'll soon get over it; and if I ever come out and marry her
sister, I'll persuade her that