I was now in command of a vessel, and not more than twenty years old. I reflected what a career was before me, if I was fortunate, and never neglected an opportunity of distinguishing myself; and I vowed that I never would, and prayed to Heaven to assist my endeavours. Lord de Versely's kindness to me had struck deep into my heart, and my anxiety was, that he should be proud of me. And then I thought of the chances for and against me; he might marry and have children; that would be the worst thing that could happen to me: if he did not marry, his other brother had a large family, and the title would go to the eldest son; but that was nothing to me. While I was summoning up all these contingencies in my mind, there was a knock at the cabin door. "Come in," said I. "Oh! is it you, Cross? I'm glad to see you. Sit down there. You see I command a vessel at last, Bob." "Yes, sir; and you'll command a larger one before long, I hope; but as to your being in command of a vessel--there's nothing very surprising in that; what is surprising is, to find myself a warrant officer--the idea never came into my head. I must write, and tell my little girl of my good fortune; it will make her and her mother very happy." "I must do the same, Cross. My mother will be very much pleased to hear all I have to tell her." "I haven't heard it myself yet, Mr Keene, and that's why I came in," replied Bob. "I know you don't want advice now; but I can't help having a wish to know what took place between you and his lordship." "No one has a better right to know than you, Cross, who have been such a sincere friend to me; so now I'll tell you." I then entered into a detail of all that had passed between Lord de Versely and me, and also what the admiral had said to me. "All's right, Mr Keene," replied Bob; "and let the admiral only give us something to do and I think you'll believe me when I say that the boatswain of the Firefly will back you as long as he has a pin to stand upon." "That I'm sure of, Bob; you will ever be my right-hand man. There are two midshipmen on board, I perceive: what sort of lads may they be?" "I haven't had time to find out; but you have a capital ship's company-- that the gunner and carpenter both say." "And a very fine vessel, Bob." "Yes, sir, and a regular flyer, they say, if she is well managed. You have never been in a schooner, Mr Keene, but I have, and for nearly three years, and I know how to handle one as well as most people." "So much the better, Cross, for I know nothing about it. Come, I will ring the bell; I suppose some one will answer it." A lad made his appearance. "Were you Mr Williams's servant?" "Yes, sir." "Get me out a bottle of wine and some glasses--there, that will do." "Now, Bob, let's drink success to the Firefly." "Here's success to the Firefly, Mr Keene, and success to the captain. May you do well in her, and be soon out of her."