Newton thanked Captain Northfleet for his good intentions; and, requesting permission to reflect upon his proposal, took his leave, and in a few minutes was on board of the _Estelle_.
There was a buoyancy of spirits in Newton when he once more found himself clear of the frigate.

He acknowledged that he had been well treated, and that he had not been unhappy; but still it was emancipation from forced servitude.

It is hard to please where there are so many masters; and petty tyranny will exist, and cause much discontent before it is discovered, even where the best discipline prevails.

The imperious behaviour of the young midshipmen, who assume the same despotic sway which is exercised over themselves, as soon as their superiors are out of sight and hearing, was often extremely galling to Newton Forster, and it frequently required much forbearance not to retort.

However in strict justice this might be warranted, discipline would not permit it, and it would have been attended with severe punishment.
It was therefore with a feeling of delight that Newton found himself his own master, and watched the hull and canvas of the _Terpsichore_, as they gradually sank below the horizon.
The _Estelle_ was a fine vessel, and her cargo not being all composed of heavy materials, was sufficiently light on the water to sail well.