I have some duty for you now, which will be but the beginning of good luck, if you only remain true to your mother, to Jane, and to yourself." A new life was infused into Clinch.

For years he had been overlooked--apparently forgotten, except when thorough seamanship was required; and even his experiment of getting transferred to a vessel commanded by an old messmate had seemingly failed.

Here was a change, however, and a ray, brighter than common, shone athwart the darkness of his future.

Even Cuffe was struck with the cheerfulness of his countenance, and the alacrity of the master's-mate's movements, and he reproached himself with having so long been indifferent to the best interests of one who certainly had some claims on his friendship.

Still, there was nothing unusual in the present relations between these old messmates.