Tom received the money, and respectfully thanked the giver; but the gathering of officers recalled his court-martial too forcibly to his memory, and although he knew he ought to feel pleased, the affair rather depressed him than otherwise. Before the commodore left the ship Captain Woodward spoke to Mr. Thompson, but finding Jerry did not intend remaining in the service, asked him what he could do to serve him in any other way. "Ask the commodore to give me leave to go home with Clare, sir; he wants looking after," begged the good-natured fellow. Captain Woodward promised to speak for him; and although, usually, warrant-officers are not allowed to leave the ship until their stores are returned and examined, so powerful was Woodward's intercession, that the next day, before the men were paid off, Mr. Thompson received the required permission, with orders to return at the expiration of four days. Inspection being over, the commodore took his departure, Captain Woodward remaining on board the ship. After partaking of Captain Tortle's hospitality, Woodward went on the quarter-deck, and requested Cravan to send for Clare, and several other men. Obedient to the summons, the delighted sailors at once hurried aft, and each received a present from the generous captain. When Clare presented himself, Woodward held out his hand and kindly asked him if he had heard from his wife, and whether he had got over his old complaint. Tom looked at his friend, and replied in a most animated manner, that he was all right, and hoped to see his wife the next day. "There's a slight token of my esteem for you, Clare," said Woodward handing him a package containing a handsome silver watch and chain. "I beg you will accept this as a proof of my appreciation of your noble act. Is there anything I can do for you besides?" "No, th--thank you, sir,--you're too good; I don't deserve this. I thank you very much indeed. My wife will be so proud of this. It makes me feel a man agin. I can hold up my head arter this." Cravan, who stood near, sneered at the proceeding as openly as he dared; but the malicious look was lost on Clare, who opened the parcel, and found the following engraved upon the back of the watch: To THOMAS CLARE, CAPTAIN'S COXSWAIN. For Bravery. He having at the risk of his life, single-handed, saved H.M.S. Stinger from destruction by fire-junks in the Canton River, on the ---- of ---- 18--, Presented to him as a mark of esteem, by CAPTAIN PAUL WOODWARD, R.N. Captain Woodward further informed the happy fellow, that if at any time he wanted a friend, and would let him know, he would be delighted to do anything for him.