The Admiral Superintendent took great interest in the fitting-out, and kindly acceded to all my fancies. He selected the _Topaze_ for use as a hulk, and substituted a tiller for the wheel. The brig was of great beam, giving spread for her rigging and stability to her spars. The figure-head was that of a horse, apparently with his lower jaw broken. This I gilded over, and on the bows of the boats had a representation of a horse winning the Derby. The ship was painted white inside, with green rails to hammock netting, port-cells black. My means of fitting out were small, but what worried me most was the average pound a day I had to pay for postage, while there was a ridiculous idea that persons would take offence if letters were prepaid. Crossing the Border cost an extra sixpence. My letters were chiefly from anxious parents. [Sidenote: June.] Lord Yarborough, President of the Royal Yacht Squadron, took great interest in our fitting, and passed many an hour on board giving me useful hints. On Saturdays all Captains fitting-out were invited to his beautiful place at Apple-de-Coombe, in the Isle of Wight, to remain over Sunday. After church we went to his son’s (Dudley Pelham) lovely place, St. Lawrence, on the South Coast. Lord Yarborough kindly put my name down for ballot as an honorary member of the Yacht Squadron Club, on which list I may now boast of being the senior member. We were well and quickly manned. [Sidenote: July 10.] Captain Charles Napier arrived at Spithead as a Portuguese Admiral, flying his flag in the _Duchess of Braganza_. Commander William Holt was ordered a passage to join _Scout_. [Sidenote: July 28.] 11.30 A.M.--Cast off from hulk and worked out to Spithead; saluted flag of Sir Frederick Maitland. [Sidenote: July 30.] Weighed, and stood out of St. Helens. [Sidenote: July 31.] Came to in Plymouth Sound 10 P.M.; saluted flag of Admiral Sir William Hargood. [Sidenote: August 2.] 5 A.M.--Weighed and made sail. My cabin was 9 feet from bulkhead to bulkhead, not leaving much room for the swing of cots. Crossing the bay we were pitching, and, to make my guest more comfortable, I had the fore-topgallant sail taken in. However, every now and then his cot struck both bulkheads. I was thinking of shortening sail, when the sentry’s bell rang: Holt sent for the officer of the watch, and ordered the main-topgallant sail to be taken in. But before the officer was clear of the door, I told him to keep fast the main, and to set the fore-topgallant sail, at which my _Childers_ began to jump and plunge in a manner that caused me to think both bulkheads must be battened down. If I have any shore-going readers, I should explain, though Holt was my senior by ten years, having no pennant flying, he could not dictate to me. When I was satisfied he was aware who commanded, I shortened sail. We were always good friends after. [Sidenote: August 5.] Exchanged numbers with _Stag_, 46, commanded by Nicholas Lockyer, a character.