Such were some of the thoughts which passed through the worthy officer’s mind, but he did not express them aloud.
While pointing his telescope seaward, an employment in which he seldom failed to spend a part of the day, he caught sight of a cutter standing for the bay.
As the tide had just turned, and the wind was falling, it was evident that she was about to bring up. In a short time her commander, Lieutenant Jenkins, came on shore, and proved to be an old messmate of Mr Pack. On hearing of his intention of going to London, Lieutenant Jenkins at once offered him a passage as far as Portsmouth. The invitation was gladly accepted, as a considerable expense would thus be saved. Miss Sally having packed her brother’s traps, he, late in the evening, went on board the cutter, which, just as darkness set in, sailed for the westward.
Note 1. At the period we are speaking of, the rule had not been formed which makes it necessary for boys to undergo a training on board the “Britannia” before they can become midshipmen. The Admiralty either appointed them to ships, or captains had the privilege of taking certain number selected by themselves.
Chapter Four.
Several days had passed by, and no news had been received from the lieutenant. Aunt Sally began to grow anxious, though she pursued her ordinary avocations in her usual calm manner. Desirous as she was of being economical, she did not forget poor old Mr Shank, and Mary and Ned were despatched with some provisions which she had prepared, and another book from her lending-library for him. Mary, remembering his dislike to boys, went in alone, leaving Ned to amuse himself outside.
“I’ll not be long, and I want you to walk up and down out of sight of his window, or he may, if he sees you, say something unpleasant,” observed Mary.