derable importance to Terence Adair occurred. He had to undergo a
court-martial for the loss of the _Flash_. She had been run on shore,
of that there was no doubt; but when there he had fought her with the
greatest gallantry, and had done his utmost to get her off. The result
of the investigation was that, having been admonished for the loss of
his ship, his sword was returned to him.

"Really, my dear Adair, I don't think you need break your heart about
the matter," said Jack to him when he returned on board the _Tornado_,
which he had joined as a volunteer; Tom and Desmond were already on
board her. "Depend upon it, it won't stand in the way of your getting
another ship or promotion. I hear that the admiral highly approves of
your conduct, and that he has stated he will give you solid proof of his
opinion as soon as a vacancy occurs."

These remarks raised poor Terence's spirits, and he wrote a very hopeful
letter to Admiral Triton, which he hoped might be shown to Lucy rather
than the one he had penned some time previously. Still some weeks went
by, and Adair remained without a ship; he at length got a cheery reply
from his old friend in answer to his letter, urging him to keep up his
courage, and prophesying that all would turn out well at last. "There
is a young lady by my side who fully agrees with me, and who is as ready
as I am to admire the gallant way in which you fought your ship, and to
appreciate your merits, whether the Admiralty do so or not. I am the
last man to advise a promising young officer to leave the service; but
should you be compelled to come on shore, and turn your sword into a
reaping-hook, I have made such arrangements as will enable you to do so
without having to depend solely upon your pittance of half-pay," wrote
the admiral.

"What can the kind old man mean?" asked Terence, when he showed the
letter to Jack.

Jack smiled. Perhaps he had heard something about the matter.

"It is evident that he has your interest at heart," he answered, "and
intends to give you substantial proof of his regard; however, my opinion
is that you will not be laid on the shelf, and that if you remain out
here the admiral will give you the first vacancy that occurs."

Jack, was right; a few days afterwards, on the return of the _Tornado_
to the fleet, the admiral sent for Adair, and, complimenting him on the
gallant way in which he had fought the _Flash_, informed him that he was
appointed to the _G