succeeded completely in silencing, and whose confidence also he soon appeared to have gained. All the morning Mr Vernon was in earnest conversation with the young Reefian, and, by his countenance, he appeared to be gaining information of a highly interesting character. He then went into the captain's cabin, and after a long conversation with him, the ship's course was shaped for Tangiers. Just before we reached that place, he called me to him. "D'Arcy," he said, "I have remarked your steadiness and discretion above your years; and as I have a difficult and--I will not conceal it from you--a hazardous expedition to make, in which a companion to assist me would be very valuable, I wish to know whether, if the captain will allow you, you would be willing to accompany me?" Where is the midshipman who would not have answered as I did, and say that I should be delighted, and that the more danger the better fun? In fact, my heart almost came into my mouth at the proposal; and my only fear was that the captain might put his veto on it. "Oh! just tell him, sir," said I, "that I have neither father nor mother, nor brother nor sister; and I don't think that the great Counsellor D'Arcy would break his heart if anything happened to me, nor bring an action against him for expending a midshipman uselessly. My other uncle is a naval officer, and he would never dream of objecting." I do not know if these reasons had any weight with the captain, but he granted his consent to my accompanying Mr Vernon, who forthwith gave me a sketch of his proposed plan of proceeding.