back again, should he be ordered to England.

"Then your father will, I hope, take a passage on board my ship," said
Jack; "the admiral will not now object to your doing so; but had I the
happiness of calling you my wife, it would be against the rules of the
service, and I should very likely be compelled to let you come home by
some other vessel."

Julia raised no objection to this proposal, and the colonel very kindly
said he wished to do whatever his daughter liked. Jack, therefore,
waited with some anxiety to hear the admiral's decision as to his future
proceedings. To assist in deciding the point, he directed the engineer
to make a report as to the state of the engines; while the carpenter
sent one in respecting the condition of the ship. Both were of opinion
that though her safety would not be endangered by the voyage home, she
was in a condition to require such a thorough repair as could only be
obtained in England.

"In fact, Commander Rogers, you have no objection to go home and pay off
your ship, I presume?" observed the admiral; "you certainly have not had
much opportunity of allowing the weeds to grow on your keel since she
was commissioned, and I shall therefore send you home with despatches;
when the Admiralty will decide whether or not to pay the ship off."

Jack, highly pleased, came back with the news to Julia, who the next day
took possession of the cabin Jack had fitted up for her accommodation.

"This is indeed perfect," she exclaimed, as she admired the neat chintz
curtains and furniture, vases and flowers and pictures, which adorned
the bulkheads; "I had no idea that a cabin could be made so nice and
pretty."

The colonel was equally well pleased with the accommodation provided for
him, and Jack felt a proud satisfaction at being able to carry home his
intended bride on board his own ship. We must leave them to make the
passage, forgetful of the possible storms, and the many other dangers to
which those who voyage upon the fickle ocean are exposed, and follow
Adair on board the _Gleam_.

On touching at Gibraltar, Adair saw by the papers that the _Giaour_,
instead of being paid off, was ordered to proceed to the Cape; and, as
far as he could make out, Murray still commanded her.

"Poor Alick!" he exclaimed; "I thought he would now be allowed to remain
on shore, and enjoy the society of his wife; there are plenty of other
fellows who are not so blessed, who would have been delighted to
s