"No boy's staff his spear!" "No harmless beam Of light, his sword." The next day, according to appointment, Edmund went to dine on board the Erina. Arriving rather early, he found Lord Fitz-Ullin alone in his cabin, reading a newspaper. His lordship received our hero with the greatest cordiality, saying, he was happy to have it in his power to show any mark of attention, however trifling, to the young friend of Lord L.; "particularly," he added, smiling, "as my office of patron is, I understand, to be quite a sinecure, I am the more called upon to discover minor modes of proving my friendship. You have already, I am informed, Mr. Montgomery," he continued, "by your gallant conduct, so far cut your own way, that you are to receive your commission immediately, without any interference on my part. But, remember, my interest is only laid up for the first occasion on which it may be required, when you shall command it in a double proportion." Edmund was commencing a speech of thanks, but was prevented by Lord Fitz-Ullin, who said, "By the bye, Ormond is going up to the next examination, which will take place in a day or two. Had you not better go with him? You can then pass, and be made, without any unnecessary delays; and, if you have no objection to sail with me, we can have you appointed to the Erina on your promotion." Edmund was delighted with this arrangement; and, as he smiled, and made his grateful acknowledgments, and even when he had concluded, he observed Lord Fitz-Ullin's eyes resting on his features with a lingering expression of interest which surprised him, and therefore made him look grave. For a moment or two Lord Fitz-Ullin continued to gaze at him, as if waiting for something; and then, with an air of disappointment, sat down, and resumed his newspaper. Ormond entering, and joining Edmund, the young people conversed with animation, but apart, that they might not interrupt the admiral's reading. Edmund, however, saw that the newspaper was little regarded, and that Lord Fitz-Ullin's eyes were generally turned on his countenance. He felt rather embarrassed by so strict a scrutiny, but contrived to maintain the appearance of not noticing it, except that he coloured a little. Lord Fitz-Ullin rose, came forward, and joining them, asked Edmund if he thought Ormond like him. "I have scarcely ever seen a likeness so strong as that of Lord Ormond to your lordship," answered Edmund.