almost useless. However I will try what can be done, and when I speak of your former good conduct, perhaps

A loud hysterical laugh issued from the prisoner when reference was made to his previous fair character, and bidding him "good bye," I ascended to the deck. The commander of the Gladiator was ashore, but the first lieutenant addressed me on the subject, and I spoke of poor Collins such as he had been in the frigate, in terms that rose spontaneous to my lips, probably prompted by the scene I had so recently witnessed in the cockpit. The lieutenant paid great attention to what I said, for though his nature was roughened and rendered harsh by the many badly disposed spirits he had to encounter in a guard-ship, yet he was by no means deficient in humanity when proper objects laid claim to the generous emotions of his heart. How I presumed to be so familiar with a superior, in endeavouring to interest him in poor Collins's behalf I could never account for, especially as I cherished the utmost detestation of his crime, and was totally unacquainted with the remotest cause that could have tempted him to desert. The lieutenant made no promises, indeed he scarcely replied to my earnest request, except by promptly rejecting it, of holding any communication with the unhappy man; but I gathered from his manners fair ground for hope that the unfortunate fellow would not be wholly abandoned. I returned to my prize vessel and mentioned the circumstance of Collins being a prisoner, as well as that I had seen him, to my crew, and honest and heartfelt was the commiseration of the worthy tars, who loved him with an attachment that none can divine, except those that have hung upon a topsail yard in the same

gale, or have fought in action at the same gun. Two of them had been his messmates from the period of his being pressed, when second mate of a homeward bound West Indiaman, and it was a bond of brotherhood not easily to be broken.

I was walking the vessel's deck, revolving in my ideas many schemes to benefit the poor fellow, and then on contemplating the penalty awarded to deserters, with the uncompromising discipline of Captain

as

quickly abandoning them, when one of the men stopped before me, and touching his hat, whilst every muscle of his face betrayed agitation, requested permission "to go and see he could not get the name out, he was

almost choking.

"No one is allowed to speak to him," returned I promptly, guessing at his meaning, "the sentry has orders to prevent all conversation."

"What, with an ould messmate, yo'r honor?" uttered the man with evident surprise, and no small mingling of sudden indignation.

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"With every one," returned I rather warmly, as recollections of poor Jem's worth crossed my remembrance, even my interview was a stolen one, and I fear the sentry will be overhauled for conniving at it.” 'Well, I'm bless'd, yo'r honor, but them are hard lines anyhow," responded the man angrily, "I've sarved my king and my country ever since I was a little taunter than the cooming of a hatchway-I have always done my dooty like a man in fair weather and in foul, and now-I dont care if ould Sir Isaac hisself haard me

'say it, as will say it afore any on'em-d my tarry

trousers if ever I sarves em another hour if Jem doesen't get fair play-all square and above board -- that's all."

"You know, Wills, I ought not to listen to such language without reporting it, said I, in a tone of remonstrance, "I respect your feelings, but you must not talk thus to me."

"In good right not, yo'r honor, and I know I'm an ould fool for doing it," answered the veteran, "“but I'd say as much to the Lord High Admiral, and if they calls it mutinous, all well and good, Muster-all well and good. Poor Jem's fate's seal'd, that's sartin, and if my overhauling a bit of my mind to 'em setting in case as they wont do things all ship-shape in the regards o' justice, why they may just tar me with the same brush, and there'll be an end of both on us."

"Well, Wills, restrain yourself, my man," I urged upon him. "Your earnest desire to see Collins will allow of my making an official application to Captain man the boat, I'll go directly."

P

Never was promptitude more powerfully exhibited, the boat was instantly ready, and before two minutes were expired the oars were in the water, and the men sturdily bending to them with hearty good will. Wills, a veteran quarter master, was my second in command, and he accompanied me, the rest of the crew stood watching our progress, till we got in amongst the hulks in ordinary, and soon afterwards I landed at the dockyard stairs, where I saw Captain P standing sur

rounded by officers. After waiting some time, an opportunity offered for addressing him, and raising my hat with the usual salute, I requested a few minutes' hearing.

"I am particularly engaged just now, young gentleman," said he, "is it on duty you wish to speak to me?"

"It is, sir," responded I respectfully. "I am one of

the midshipmen of the

frigate, and came in this morning in a prize, Collins the deserter, now under confinement in the Gladiator belonged to

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I know it, I know it young gentleman," returned he sharply, "what application can you have to make for him?"

"One or two of his messmates are in the prize, sir, and from the esteem they had for him, they have earnestly requested me to entreat permission--"

"To see him, I suppose," exclaimed Captain P interrupting me, "it cannot be granted—at least I cannot do it.-Desertion should at all times be discountenanced, and let me tell you, young gentleman, that it is creditable in you to

not very

"God bless yo'r honor," uttered old Wills, deprecatingly, for he had followed me out of the boat and now stood crushing his tarpaulin hat between his two hands as he spoke. "God bless yo'r honor-it arnt in the heart of any British officer to dumb-founder an ould seaman and heave him down upon his beam ends 'cause he wishes just to overhaul a bit o' discourse with a messmate in distress."

"Well old man, and what have you to say ?" inquir

ed the Captain then turning to me, "Is this one of

your people, young gentleman ?"

"It is the man for whom I have made application, sir," answered I, "he is a quarter master in the frigate, and

"Oh his honor arnt never forgot ould Wills," exclaimed the veteran, with self-satisfied confidence, "though I was young Wills, and his honor's hammock man, when he first entered the sarvice."

"Very true, old boy," returned the Captain more

complacently, "but that affords no reason that I should depart from the fixed line of principles I have laid down. However, the orders are the Port Admiral's.”

"And, Sir Isaac mayhap may have something or other logged down in my favor, yo'r honor, seeing as I was his coxson in the ould Thisbe on the Halifax Station," returned Wills.

"What's that you're talking about, old man, eh?" demanded a tall raw boned muscular man in full uniform, with an immense gold-laced cock'd hat athwart-ships white buckskin breeches and military boots.

"God bless yo'r honor," answered the veteran, with a pleased chuckle of respectful familiarity, "I was just freshening Captain P's memory of day's works as has long since been rubbed off the log board."

"And what are you doing here officer, eh-what are you doing here?" enquired the last comer, who by the lace round his cuffs I knew to be the admiral, and from the description I had received, was at once sensible that it could be none other than Sir Isaac Coffin. I was about to answer, when Captain P took upon himself to reply.

"Old Wills belongs to the that Collins deserted from," said he, "and this young gentleman has applied for leave to visit the prisoner."

Sir Isaac shook his head, and at that moment a warrant officer passing at a short distance without recogLizing his person, he shouted "halloo there! officer! officer!" the warrant took no notice, and Sir Isaac literally bellowed, "hoy there-officer-master carpenter with the scupper leather boots?" the man turned, "here haul your wind this way;" the officer approached, and Sir Isaac gave him one of his shrewd keen looks, then