ent faith
the sinner takes hold of the promises. Thus the one assisted the other.
Ralph indeed required support. Jessie was never out of his mind. Her
granny was old and infirm, and might soon be taken from her; and then,
should Captain Mudge be away, what would she do? "She has not, that I
know of, dear girl, a friend on whom she can depend," thought Ralph.
"Yes, she and I have one in heaven on Whom we both rely. To Him I will
pray for her, as she will, I know, for me." Earnestly and faithfully
Ralph did pray, and he did not fail to obtain that answer which true
prayer always receives. He was supported, and his heart comforted.

The fleet was now approaching Jamaica, and Ralph was more actively than
ever engaged in making and answering signals. Port-Royal, to which most
of the ships were bound, was reached at length, when another man-of-war
took charge of the rest to escort them to their destinations.

Dick had not concealed from those he could trust his intention of
deserting. Ralph had done his utmost to dissuade him from his foolish
intentions, and though he would not inform the officers, he determined
to keep a watch over his friend and stop him if he could. A boat, which
came alongside directly the frigate dropped anchor, brought the news
that the yellow fever was raging on shore, with orders that no one
should leave the ship.

"You have lost your chance, Dick, and I am glad of it," said Ralph.

"Not so sure of that," answered Dick; "I'm a pretty good swimmer, and
can make my way on shore if I've a mind for it."

"Don't be so mad, Dick, as even to think of such a thing," said Ralph.
"Haven't you heard of Port-Royal Jack, the big shark? He will be sure
to catch you if you make the attempt."

Dick looked incredulous, but the accounts he heard from his other
shipmates of the number of people Port-Royal Jack had swallowed made him
hesitate about putting his resolve into execution.

The next day the frigate, having taken in fresh provisions and water,
put to sea, and Ralph hoped that Dick would be in a better mind before
they again entered a port.

CHAPTER SIX.

The _Falcon_ had got some way to the south of the Line. Ralph was now a
quartermaster, a position in which only seamen of merit and experience
are placed.

It was night, and unusually dark for that latitude. A gentle breeze
filled the frigate's canvas as she glided over the calm ocean with the
wind on the larboard quarter. Ralph wa