resentation of it to Government. I only wish
that there was any situation in my ship that could induce you to
remain."

"Thank you, Captain M---," replied McElvina, smiling; "but, although on
a smaller scale, I have long been accustomed to command; and I should be
very sorry that a vacancy should occur in the only situation I would
accept."

"I expected an answer to that effect," replied Captain M---. "However,
you have this day nobly redeemed your character, and silenced any
imputations of hostility to your country that might be thrown upon you
in consequence of your late employment; and I sincerely congratulate
you."

"Captain M---, as you are kind enough to express friendly feelings
towards me, may I request that they may be shown by the interest you
take in young Seymour? I cannot but approve his following the
honourable career marked out for him; and my regret at parting with one
who has so entwined himself round my heart will be considerably lessened
by the assurance that you will be his friend and protector. Any
expenses--"

"Not one word upon that score," replied Captain M---; "the boy saved my
life this day by his unusual presence of mind, and I shall watch over
him as if he were my own child."

"His education?"

"Shall be attended to. I pledge you my honour to do him every justice."

McElvina bowed and walked away to the other side of the quarter-deck;
the idea of parting with Willy was always painful to him, and, weak with
the loss of blood, he was afraid that the emotion would be perceived,
which he now felt less able to control.

Thus it is with proud man. He struggles to conceal effects arising from
feeling which do honour to his nature; but feels no shame when he
disgraces himself by allowing his passions to get the better of his
reason--and all because he would not be thought _womanish_! I'm
particularly fond of crying myself.

The list of killed and wounded was brought up by the second-lieutenant
(the duty of the first, who was in charge of the prize, having devolved
upon him)--the former having been ascertained by mustering the ship's
company, the latter from the report of the surgeon.

A deep sigh escaped from the breast of the captain as he looked own at
the total. "Forty-four killed--sixty-seven wounded! This is heavy
indeed. Poor Stevenson, I thought he was only wounded."

"Since dead, sir," replied the second-lieutenant; "we have lost a
pleasant messmate."

"And His Maje