nyway," interrupted Bentley.

The general took the hand of the embarrassed old boatswain and shook it
warmly; then, fixing his glowing eyes upon the two young men, said,--

"Continue, Mr. Seymour."

"I know not what I might have done, but the old seaman's appeal to my
honor decided me. I went aft with horror in my heart, but resolved to
do my duty. On my way there I took out of my pocket the little note
received from Miss Wilton; a gust of wind blew it to the hand of Mr.
Talbot. It was only a line. As he picked it up, he read it
involuntarily. We had some words. I drew on him, sir. It was my
fault."

"No, no, general, the fault was mine!" interrupted Talbot. "I said it
was my letter, refused to give it up, insulted him. He would have
arrested me. Bentley and Philip interfered. I taunted him, advanced
to strike him. He had to draw or be dishonored."

"Nay, general, but the fault was mine. I was the captain of the ship;
the safety of the ship depended on me."

"Go on, go on, Mr. Seymour," said the general; "this dispute does honor
to you both."

"The rest happened as has been told you. One of the splinters struck
Mr. Talbot's sword and swept it into the sea; the note went with it,
and then the frigate was wrecked, and Colonel Wilton and his daughter,
with all the rest, lost."

It was very still in the room.

"My poor friend, my poor friend," murmured the general, "and that
charming girl. Without a moment's warning! Young gentlemen," taking
each of the young men by the hand, "I honor you. You have deserved
well of our country,--for the frankness with which one of you admits
his fault, for it was a fault, and takes the blame upon himself, and
for the heroic resolution by which the other sacrifices his love for
his duty. Laurens, make out a captain's commission for Mr. Talbot.
Hamilton, I wish you would write out a general order declaring the
capture of the transport and her lading, and the sinking of the Juno
and the wreck of the English frigate; it will hearten the men for our
enterprise to-night. As for you, Mr. Seymour, I shall use what little
influence I may be able to exert to get you a ship at once; meantime,
as we contemplate attacking the enemy at last, I shall be glad to offer
you a position as volunteer on my staff for a few days, if your duties
will permit. And to you, Philip, let me be a father indeed--my poor
boy! As for you, boatswain, what can I do for you?"

"Nothing, your h