After allowing sufficient time for the boy to conduct Wilder to the necessary cabin, and to put him in possession of the regulations for the police of the ship, the Captain again touched the gong, and once more summoned the former to his presence. The lad had however, to approach the elbow of his master, and to speak thrice, before the other was conscious that he had answered his call. “Roderick,” said the Rover, after a long pause, “are you there?” “I am here,” returned a low, and seemingly a mournful voice. “Ah! you gave him the regulations?” “I did.” “And he reads?” “He reads.” “It is well. I would speak to the General. Roderick, you must have need of rest; good night; let the General be summoned to a council, and—Good night, Roderick.” The boy made an assenting reply; but, instead of springing, with his former alacrity, to execute the order he lingered a moment nigh his master’s chair. Failing, however, in his wish to catch his eye, he slowly and reluctantly descended the stairs which led into the lower cabins, and was seen no more. It is needless to describe the manner in which the General made his second appearance. It differed in no particular from his former entrée, except that, on this occasion, the whole of his person was developed. He appeared a tall, upright form, that was far from being destitute of natural grace and proportions, but which had been so exquisitely drilled into simultaneous movement, that the several members had so far lost the power of volition, as to render it impossible for one to stir, without producing some thing like a correspondent demonstration in all its fellows. This rigid and well-regulated personage, after making a formal military bow to his superior, helped himself to a chair, in which, after some little time lost in preparation, he seated himself in silence. The Rover seemed conscious of his presence; for he acknowledged his salute by a gentle inclination of his own head; though he did not appear to think it necessary to suspend his ruminations the more on that account. At length, however, he turned short upon his companion, and said abruptly,— “General, the campaign is not finished.” “What remains? the field is won, and the enemy is a prisoner.” “Ay, your part of the adventure is well achieved, but much of mine remains to be done. You saw the youth in the lower cabin?” “I did.” “And how find you his appearance?” “Maritime.” “That is as much as to say, you like him not.” “I like discipline.” “I am much mistaken if you do not find him to your taste on the quarter-deck. Let that be as it may, I have still a favour to ask of you!” “A favour!—it is getting late.” “Did I say ‘a favour?’ there is duty to be yet done.” “I wait your orders.” “It is necessary that we use great precaution for, as you know”—— “I wait your orders,” laconically repeated the other.