ced what a smart, likely craft she was when we
came in and dropped anchor. I little thought that it was you who had
command of her, but I have no fear but that you will do her full justice.
I could hardly believe my ears when I was told this afternoon, and Tom was
ready to jump out of his clothes with joy."

"It is wonderfully good fortune, Dimchurch; I can hardly believe it myself
yet."

"I am sure you deserve it, sir. It was you who recaptured that prize in
the Mediterranean; it was you who saved the first lieutenant's life; and
it was you who suggested a plan by which we accounted for those three
pirates. If that didn't deserve promotion, it is hard to say what would."

"I owe no small portion of it, Dimchurch, to the fact that I was able to
take an observation so soon after I had joined, and that was due to the
kindness of my good friend Miss Warden."

"Yes, sir, that goes for something, no doubt, but there is a good deal
more than that in it." After some further talk both of the past and the
future, Dimchurch sprang to his feet, saying: "Well, sir, I wish you
success. But it is time we were off. I am told we are to remove our duds
on board the new craft to-morrow."

"Yes, we are going to start manning her at once; I shall be on board with
Mr. Harman directly after breakfast. I have not put foot upon her yet, and
am most anxious to do so."

The craft fully answered Will's expectations. Her after-accommodation was
exceedingly good; the cabin was handsomely fitted, and there were two
state-rooms.

"We shall be in clover here, Harman," he said; "no one could wish for a
better command. I must set to work to get stores shipped at once. How many
of the crew are on board?"

"Twenty-three, sir, and I believe we shall have our full complement before
night."

As they spoke a boat laden with provisions came alongside, and all hands
were at once engaged transferring her load to the cutter. In the course of
the forenoon the remainder of the men came on board in twos and threes.
After dinner Will called the crew together and read out his commission.
Then he made his maiden speech.

"My lads," he said, "I wish this to be a comfortable ship, and I will do
my best to make it so. I shall expect the ready obedience of all; and you
may be assured that if possible I will put you in the way of gaining
prize-money. There are plenty of prizes to be taken, and I hope
confidently that many of them will fall to our share." The men