Well, are you thinking of thrashing the Russians ?" "The boy is half out of his mind with pleasure, Charles," Major Archer said, "and he and all of us are greatly obliged to you for your kindness in getting him his berth.

I think you will find him active and intelligent, though I fear he has not shone greatly at school, especially," he said smiling, "in his Latin verses." "He will make none the worse sailor for that," Charles Hethcote said with a laugh.

"But I must be going on board.

I have a message from the admiral to the captain and every moment is precious, for things are terribly behindhand.

The dockyard people are wellnigh out of their wits with the pressure put upon them, and we are ordered to be ready to sail in a week.