boat to go on
board the man-of-war. His request was granted, and Alfred was soon up
the side of the _Portsmouth_. There were some of his old messmates on
the quarter-deck, who welcomed him heartily, for he was a great
favourite. Shortly afterwards, he sent down a message by the steward,
requesting that Captain Lumley would see him, and was immediately
afterwards ordered to go into the cabin.

"Well, Mr Campbell," said Captain Lumley, "so you have joined us at
last; better late than never. You're but just in time. I thought you
would soon get over that foolish whim of yours, which you mentioned in
your letter to me, of leaving the service, just after you had passed,
and had such good chance of promotion. What could have put it in your
head?"

"Nothing, sir," replied Alfred, "but my duty to my parents. It is a
most painful step for me to take, but I leave you to judge whether I can
do otherwise."

Alfred then detailed to Captain Lumley all that had occurred, the
resolution which his father and mother had taken, and their being then
on board the timber-ship, and about to proceed to their new destination.

Captain Lumley heard Alfred's story without interruption, and then,
after a pause, said, "I think you are right, my boy, and it does you
honour. Where you are going to, I have no doubt that your courage and
your protection will be most important. Yet it is a pity you should be
lost to the service."

"I feel most sincerely, sir, I assure you, but--"

"But you sacrifice yourself; I know that. I admire the resolution of
your father and mother. Few could have the courage to have taken such a
step--few women, especially. I shall call upon them, and pay my
respects. In half an hour I shall be ready, and you shall accompany me,
and introduce me. In the meantime you can go and see your old
messmates."

Alfred left the cabin, much flattered by the kindness of Captain Lumley,
and went down to his former messmates, with whom he remained until the
boatswain piped away the crew of the captain's barge. He then went on
deck, and as soon as the captain came up, he went into the boat. The
captain followed, and they were soon on board of the _London Merchant_.
Alfred introduced Captain Lumley to his father and mother; and in the
course of half an hour, being mutually pleased with each other, an
intimacy was formed, when Captain Lumley observed--"I presume, that much
as you may require your son's assistance on your