There! Take that and go down to the dock. There you will find a boat in charge of an officer. Hand him this letter, and he will deliver it to the Captain, who is on board the Reindeer, anchored in the stream. As Walter approached the river, he saw a ship lying at anchor. A curious feeling came over him. The tall masts, the white sails, the ports in the sides with bristling cannon projecting. Is that to be my future home? he thought to himself. Am I to plough the briny deep? Will that bear me to the grand-father of my Amy? Bang! went a gun, and a cloud of smoke issued from the ship’s side. A moment after, a boat left the ship, and was rowed towards the shore. Walter watched it with interest. When it came in full view, he saw that four sailors pulled at the oars, dressed in blue uniform. In the stern sat two men clad in the uniform of English Naval officers, the elder of which was smoking a cigar. It occurred to him that it was to one of these men that he was to hand the letter. As soon as the boat landed, the two officers stepped on the wharf, and the boat pulled out in the stream. Walter advanced, raising his cap:— Gentlemen, can you inform me what officer commands the boat that has just set you two gentlemen on shore? The two looked at each other as if in doubt, when the younger replied: This gentleman is Captain. Not so fast, replied Davis. I am Captain of the ship—you are Captain of this boat. What can we do for you young man? Mr. Webb requested me to hand this letter to the officer having charge of the boat, at the same time presenting the letter. The younger of the two took it. Here, Captain, this is for you. The Captain read it. Are you acquainted with Mr. Webb young man? Yes, he replied, in a sweet, mild voice. I have been in his employ for several years. How is that? asked the Captain. I have made his house my home for several years, but I never saw you there. That was because you were in port during the warm season. At that time I was in the wilderness surveying for Mr. Webb. The Captain looked at the young man in astonishment. What is your name? Walter Wallace. Is Mr. Webb at home? Being answered in the affirmative, he said to the officer at his side: Send a boat for me to-morrow at eight. Remember we weigh anchor at ebb. The officer raised his hat to his superior and walked away. Then at a given signal the boat returned to the shore and the officer stepped on board. The Captain stood and looked at his ship as it gently rocked in the swell of the river. A beauty! A beauty! Handsomer than the Reindeer it is named after. Do you return to Webb’s? asked the Captain, addressing Walter. Yes sir. Then we will walk along together. Walter felt awkward. Here he was walking along side of a large, handsome man, dressed in the rich, glittering uniform of the British Navy. He was recognized by the passers-by—at least he was saluted by their raising their hats.