hich cannot be told are always bad reasons, sir. I insist upon
what I have told you."

"Then, captain, I shall be compelled, to my infinite sorrow, to insist
upon offering my resignation."

The old sailor's brow became darker and darker. He growled.

"Your resignation, your resignation! You talk of it very lightly. It
remains to be seen whether it will be accepted. 'The Conquest' does not
sail on a pleasure-party; she is sent out on a serious campaign, and
will probably be absent for some time. We have unpleasant complications
down there and are sending out reinforcements. You are still in France;
but you are actually under orders to meet the enemy; Men do not resign
in the face of the enemy, Lieut. Champcey!"

Daniel had turned very pale.

"You are severe, captain," he said.

"I have no idea, I assure you, of being gentle; and, if that can induce
you to change your mind"--

"Unfortunately, I cannot alter my decision."

The old sailor rose violently, and walked up and down the room several
times, giving vent to his anger in oaths of various kinds; then he
returned to Daniel, and said in his driest tone,--

"If that is so, the case is serious; I must report it to the secretary
of the navy. What time is it? Eleven o'clock. Come here again at half-
past twelve. I shall have settled the matter then."

Quite certain that his superior would say nothing in his favor, Daniel
retired, walking hurriedly through the narrow passages, when a joyous
voice hailed him, calling out, "Champcey!"

He turned, and found himself face to face with two of his comrades, with
whom he had been most intimate at school. They said eagerly,--

"So you are our superior now?"

And, with the utmost sincerity, they began to congratulate him,
delighted, as they said, that such good luck should have fallen upon a
man like him, whom everybody thought worthy of the distinction, and who
reflected honor upon the service. No enemy could have inflicted such
suffering upon Daniel as these two friends did. There was not one of
their good wishes which did not amount to a bitter sarcasm; every word
they said told upon him.

"You must confess, however," they continued, "that you are a lucky man,
like no other. One day you are made a lieutenant; and the next day they
offer you active service. The next time we meet, you will be a captain
in command of a frigate."

"I am not going out," replied Daniel, fiercely. "I have handed in my
resignation."

A