“I hope to remain some years, Mr. Judson, for I am launched now as a cadet midshipman,” was the smiling reply. Jack drew himself up quickly and saluted, while he said: “Pardon me, sir, but I did not know that, or I would no have made so bold; but I am a coxswain on the cruiser yonder, and thought I’d come over to remind you that I had not forgotten you and your plucky fight in B----.” “And I am glad to see you, Coxswain Jack, and I have not forgotten your great kindness that day in B----, either. But let me tell you that Scott Clemmons is also a cadet.” “Then look out for him, for he’s your foe,” blurted out Jack Judson. “I do not believe he is over friendly,” responded Mark, while Jack said: “I must be off, sir, for there’s a difference between us now; but I wish you success, Master Mark, and if you don’t win, I’ll be mistaken in my calculations.” The coxswain saluted, when Mark again put out his hand and said: “Good-by, coxswain, I guess we’ll often meet now.” The boat pulled away, the coxswain very thoughtful now, for he remembered how he had once neglected his advantages and thrown away the chance of an appointment to the navy. “I’d have been a lieutenant now, if I had gone in; but I didn’t have the grit to study, and to-day I am only a coxswain. But that youth has it in him to work his way upward, and he will; but he must keep his eye on Scott Clemmons, or he’ll foul him if he can.” After the coxswain’s departure Mark went into the cabin, wrote his letters, one to his mother and another to Silly Sam, and he asked Captain Crane to hand the letter to the youth in person. “I do not know if he can read or not, Captain Crane, but if he cannot, you please read it to him, and he’ll understand it. The letter to my mother I know you will deliver first, as you will run straight for Cliff Castle harbor?” “Yes, Master Mark, and if you get time some day drop me a line to let me know how you are getting along,” said the honest skipper. “You shall hear from me, captain, and I’ll expect you to see my mother as often as you can, for you know her home is not a cheerful one, and she has only old Peggy.” “Yes, and more pluck than any man I know of, to dwell in that old Spook Hall.” Then Mark bade good-by to the captain and his boys, sprang into the boat he had rowed out, and rested on his oars while the crew got up anchor and hoisted sail. He waved his hat as they went down the Severn, Captain Crane dipping his colors to the farewell of the youth. For a long while the young sailor watched the retreating vessel, then rowed ashore, and returned the boat to where he had gotten it. He sighed as he cast another lingering glance after the little Venture, returning to the weird old home and scenes he had loved so well, and murmured to himself: