e day of the action they had anchored off the town
of Quebec.

As soon as they had anchored, Alfred obtained leave to go on board of
the _London Merchant_, and then, for the first time, his family knew
that he had been wounded. His arm was still in a sling, but was healing
fast.

I shall pass over the numerous inquiries on his part relative to their
capture and recapture, and on theirs, as to the action with the French
ship.

While they were in conversation, Captain Lumley was reported to be
coming on board in his boat. They went on the deck of the vessel to
receive him.

"Well, Mrs Campbell," said Captain Lumley after the first salutations
were over, "you must congratulate me on my having captured a vessel
somewhat larger than my own; and I must congratulate you on the conduct
and certain promotion of your son Alfred. He has richly deserved it."

"I am very thankful, Captain Lumley, and do most heartily congratulate
you," replied Mrs Campbell; "I only regret that my boy has been
wounded."

"The very thing that you should, on the contrary, be thankful for, Mrs
Campbell," replied Captain Lumley. "It is the most fortunate wound in
the world, as it not only adds to his claims, but enables me to let him
join you and go to Canada with you, without it being supposed that he
has quitted the service."

"How so, Captain Lumley?"

"I can discharge him to sick-quarters here at Quebec. If they think
anything about it at all at home, it will be that his wound is much more
severe than it really is; and he can remain on half-pay as long as he
pleases. There are plenty ready to be employed. But I cannot wait any
longer. I am going on shore to call upon the Governor, and I thought I
would just see you in my way. You may assure yourselves that if I can
be of any use to you, I will not fail to exert any little influence I
may have."

Captain Lumley then took a cordial leave of the whole party, telling
Alfred that he might consider himself as discharged from the ship, and
might rejoin his family.

"Heaven sends us friends when we most need them and least expect them,"
said Mrs Campbell, as she watched the boat pulling away. "Who would
have imagined, when we anchored at Cork, that such good fortune should
have awaited us; and that, at the very time Alfred had given up his
profession for our sake, his promotion in the service was awaiting him?"

Shortly afterwards Mrs Campbell and Henry went on shore with Captain
Wi