CHAPTER TWENTY NINE.
As it was too soon to present myself to the admiral, I dressed, ready togo on shore, and hoisted the number of the Diligente as given by theadmiral at Jamaica; but, as I expected, it was not known to theguard-ship, and there was much surmise among the early risers as to whatmight be the large ship, schooner, and brig-of-war, which had entered.
We had just finished the washing of the decks, and I was standing aftwith Cross, who had the morning watch, when he observed to me, "CaptainKeene, we are now at anchor as near as possible to where the Calliopewas when you went adrift in the boat with poor Peggy. Some differencebetween your situation now and then."
"Yes, Bob," replied I; "I was thinking the same when I was dressing thismorning, and I was also thinking that you would be very anxious to go onshore--so you may take a boat as soon as you please; I will order one tobe given to you."
"Thankey, sir. I am a little anxious to see the poor girl, and I thinkmatters will go smooth now."
"I hope so, with all my heart. Let the gigs be all dressed and cleaned,and the boat manned at six bells. Pass the word for them to get theirbreakfast."
As it was better that I should wait for the admiral's getting up, thanthat he should wait for me, I was on shore, and up at the office athalf-past seven o'clock, and found that the admiral was in hisdressing-room. The secretary was there, and I delivered my orders anddespatches, with which he went up to the admiral. In about a quarter ofan hour he came down again with the port-admiral's request that I wouldwait for him, and stay to breakfast. The secretary remained with me,extracting all the West India intelligence that I could give him.
As soon as the admiral made his appearance, he shook me warmly by thehand. "Captain Keene," said he, "I wish you joy: I see you arefollowing up your career in the West Indies. We know you well enough bythe despatches, and I am glad to be personally acquainted with you.This last business will, I have no doubt, give you the next step, assoon as you have been a little longer as commander. Mr Charles, desirethem to make the signal for the Diligente and schooner to come intoharbour. The Indiaman may, of course, do as he pleases. Now then, forbreakfast."
The admiral, of course, asked me as many questions as the secretary, andended, as I rose to take my leave, in requesting the pleasure of mycompany to dinner on that day. As the reader may suppose, I had everyreason to be satisfied with my reception.
As soon as I had left the admiral's office, I put into the post-office,with my own hands, my letter to my mother, and one to Lord de Versely.In the latter I told him of my good fortune, and enclosed a copy of mydespatch to the Admiralty. Although the despatch was written modestly,still the circumstances in themselves--my having recaptured an Indiaman,and carried, by boarding, a vessel of equal force to my own, andsuperior in men--had a very good appearance, and I certainly obtainedgreater credit than it really deserved. It was not at all necessary tosay that I hoisted French colours, and therefore took the schoonerunawares, or that at the time most of her men were on board of theIndiaman; the great art in this world is, to know where to leave off,and in nothing more than when people take the pen in their hands.
As soon as I had finished my correspondence--for I wrote a few lines toMrs Bridgeman, at Chatham, and a postscript to my mother's letter--Iwent down to the saluting battery, when I found that the two vesselswere just entering the harbour. I went up and reported it at theadmiral's office, and the admiral went on board of both vessels toexamine them himself, and he ordered a dock-yard survey. They were bothpronounced fit for his Majesty's service, with the necessary dock-yardalterations. The crew of the Diligente were turned over to a hulk,preparatory to unrigging and clearing her out for dock. As soon as Ileft the admiral's house, I sat down at the George Hotel, where I hadtaken up my quarters, and wrote a long letter to Minnie Vanderwelt.
Cross called upon me the next morning. I saw by his countenance that hehad good news to tell me. He had found his lady-love as constant as hecould wish, and having explained to the blind old smuggler that he hadbeen offered and accepted the situation of boatswain in his Majesty'sservice during the time that he was in the West Indies, he had receivedhis approbation of his conduct, and a warm welcome to the house wheneverhe could come on shore.
"I have not put the question to the old chap yet, Captain Keene," saidhe, "but I think I will very soon."
"Don't be in too great a hurry, Bob," replied I. "Give the old fellow alittle more 'baccy, and ask his advice as to what you are to do withyour prize-money. You must also talk a little about your half-pay andyour widow's pension."
"That's very good advice, Captain Keene," replied Cross. "Mercy on us!how things are changed! It appears but the other day that I was leadingyou down to this very hotel, to ship you into the service, and you wasasking my advice, and I was giving it to you; and now I am asking youradvice, and taking it. You have shot ahead in every way, sir, that'ssartain; you looked up to me then, now I look up to you."
I laughed at Cross's observation, which was too true; and then we wentinto the dock-yard, and were very busy during the remainder of the day.
The following morning I received an answer from Lord de Versely, couchedin most friendly terms. He complimented me on my success, and the highcharacter I had gained for myself during so short a career, and addedthat he should be happy to see me as soon as I could come to London, andwould himself introduce me to the first lord of the Admiralty. Headvised me to request leave of absence, which would be immediatelygranted, and concluded his letter, "Your sincere friend and well-wisher,de Versely."
As soon as I had laid down the letter, I said to myself, I was right--the true way to create an interest in a man like Lord de Versely, is tomake him proud of you. I have done well as yet--I will try to do more;but how long will this success continue? Must I not expect reverses?May not some reaction take place? and have I not in some degree deservedit? Yes, I have used deceit in persuading him of my mother's death. Ibegan now to think that that was a false step, which, if everdiscovered, might recoil upon me. I remained a long while in deepthought. I tried to extenuate my conduct in this particular, but Icould not; and to rid myself of melancholy feelings, which I could notovercome, I wrote a letter, requesting leave of absence for a fortnight,and took it myself to the admiral's office. This depression of spiritsremained with me during the time that I remained at Portsmouth, when,having obtained leave, I set off for London, and on arrival, put up at afashionable hotel in Albermarle Street.