s is such a source of mischief and disaster in ships'
crews, was conspicuous by its absence. The reputation of Captain Jones
as a disciplinarian was very well known among sailors generally, and
only his reputation as a fighter and a successful prize-taker would
have enabled him to assemble the remarkable crew to which he had
spoken, and which was to back him up so gallantly in many desperate
undertakings and wonderful sea fights, of this and his succeeding
phenomenal cruise.

Seymour had rapidly recovered from his wounds under Madam Talbot's
careful nursing and ministrations, and when his orders reached him he
had been ready, accompanied by Philip Wilton and Bentley, to join his
ship at once.

He still carried the blood-stained handkerchief, and many and many a
time had laid it, with its initials, "K. W.," embroidered by her own
hand, upon his lips. This was not his only treasure, however. In a
wallet in the breast pocket of his coat he carried and treasured a
letter, only the veriest scrap of paper, with these few lines hastily
written upon it.

_These by a friendly hand. We are to accompany Lord Dunmore to England
next week as prisoners in the ship Radnor. Both well, but very
unhappy. I love you.----Katharine._

This note had been brought to him, the day before his departure from
Fairview Hall, by one of the slaves from the Wilton place, who had in
turn received it from a stranger who had handed it to him with the
orders that it be given to Lieutenant Seymour if he were within the
neighborhood; if not, it was to be destroyed. There was no address on
the outside of the letter, which, indeed, was only a soiled and torn
bit of paper, and unsealed. Seymour had hitherto communicated this
news to no one, and was hesitating whether or no to tell Talbot, who
had that day joined the ship.

Seymour found Talbot and the captain together, when, after giving his
name to the negro boy, Joe, who waited in attendance, for Captain Jones
was one of the most punctilious of men, he was ushered into the
captain's cabin.

"Come in, Seymour," said the captain, genially, laying aside the formal
address of the quarter-deck. "Joe, a glass of wine for Mr. Seymour.
Has the watch been set?"

"Yes, sir, and Lieutenant Wallingford has the deck."

"Ah, that's well; he knows the channel like a pilot. Sit down, man."

"Thank you, captain. How do you like your first experience on a
ship-of-war, Talbot?"

"Very much, indeed,