“We must not despair, however,” said the lieutenant. “We know that God orders all for the best, if we trust Him and do our duty; perhaps something will turn up when we least expect it. I have been thinking, Ned, how I can raise money enough to pay the required premium, and if I can do that the matter will be quickly settled. After two or three voyages to India, Australia, or round Cape Horn, you will have obtained sufficient experience to become a mate. You will then be independent and able to gain your own livelihood.”
“That is what I wish to do, uncle,” answered Ned, gulping down his disappointment at the thoughts that he should be unable to enter the navy, and some day become a Nelson or a Collingwood. In truth, matters stood very much as they were before the lieutenant’s journey, and he had to confess to himself that the cost and trouble had apparently been thrown away.
“Well, well, Ned, we’ll go on with our mathematics and navigation, and wait patiently for what may occur. You are young yet, and won’t be the worse for a few months more spent on shore if you make good use of your time.”
Ned followed his uncle’s advice, and did his utmost to overcome his disappointment.
Things went on much as usual at Triton Cottage. Ned frequently got a pull in a revenue boat, but his great delight was to take a sail in one of the fishing crafts belonging to the bay, when the fishermen, with whom he was an especial favourite, gave him instruction in steeling and other nautical knowledge, so that he learned how to handle a boat, to furl and shorten sail, to knot and splice, as well as to row.
His uncle always encouraged him to go when the weather was moderate, but on two or three occasions when it came on unexpectedly to blow, and the boats were kept out, poor Aunt Sally was put into a great state of trepidation until he came back safe. Nearly a month had passed since the lieutenant’s return home, and no letter had been received either from the Admiralty or from any of the shipowners. The family were seated at tea. The lieutenant could not help occasionally speaking of the subject which occupied his thoughts, generally concluding by saying, “Well, never mind, something may turn up!”
Just then a ring was heard at the door, and Jane put her head in to say that Mr Hanson had called.
“I’ll bring him in to take a cup of tea,” said the lieutenant, rising and stumping out of the room. He soon returned with his friend.
“Well, Pack, I’ve come to wish you and Miss Sarah good-bye,” said their guest. “Commander Curtis, an old friend of mine, has been appointed to the ‘Ione’ corvette, fitting out for the Cape station, and he has applied for me as his first lieutenant. Though I had made up my mind to remain on shore, as he is a man I should like to serve under, I have accepted his offer, and am going off to join the ship as soon as I can be relieved—in two or three days, I hope.”
Ned listened, expecting that something else of interest to him was about to follow, but he was disappointed. He was not aware that even a first lieutenant could not obtain a berth for a midshipman.