ADAIR ACQUITTED FOR LOSS OF FLASH--APPOINTED TO GLEAM--THE TORNADO IN THE BOSPHORUS--ARRIVAL OF HERR GROBEN--HIGSON OBTAINS LEAVE OF ABSENCE-- TOM ASKS FOR IT, AND IS SENT ON BOARD GLEAM--HIGSON PROMOTED--HIS MARRIAGE WITH THE FAIR RUSSIAN--BALL ON BOARD THE TORNADO--THE GLEAM IN A STORM--TOM AND ADAIR LOST OVERBOARD--DESMOND'S GRIEF--THE ADMIRAL'S HOME--APPEARANCE OF THE MISSING ONES--JOY OF THE ADMIRAL--ADAIR NARRATES THEIR ADVENTURES--JACK AND ADAIR MARRIED--GENEROSITY OF ADMIRAL TRITON. Antecedent to the events mentioned in the last chapter, one of considerable importance to Terence Adair occurred. He had to undergo a court-martial for the loss of the _Flash_. She had been run on shore, of that there was no doubt; but when there he had fought her with the greatest gallantry, and had done his utmost to get her off. The result of the investigation was that, having been admonished for the loss of his ship, his sword was returned to him. "Really, my dear Adair, I don't think you need break your heart about the matter," said Jack to him when he returned on board the _Tornado_, which he had joined as a volunteer; Tom and Desmond were already on board her. "Depend upon it, it won't stand in the way of your getting another ship or promotion. I hear that the admiral highly approves of your conduct, and that he has stated he will give you solid proof of his opinion as soon as a vacancy occurs." These remarks raised poor Terence's spirits, and he wrote a very hopeful letter to Admiral Triton, which he hoped might be shown to Lucy rather than the one he had penned some time previously. Still some weeks went by, and Adair remained without a ship; he at length got a cheery reply from his old friend in answer to his letter, urging him to keep up his courage, and prophesying that all would turn out well at last. "There is a young lady by my side who fully agrees with me, and who is as ready as I am to admire the gallant way in which you fought your ship, and to appreciate your merits, whether the Admiralty do so or not. I am the last man to advise a promising young officer to leave the service; but should you be compelled to come on shore, and turn your sword into a reaping-hook, I have made such arrangements as will enable you to do so without having to depend solely upon your pittance of half-pay," wrote the admiral. "What can the kind old man mean?" asked Terence, when he showed the letter to Jack. Jack smiled. Perhaps he had heard something about the matter. "It is evident that he has your interest at heart," he answered, "and intends to give you substantial proof of his regard; however, my opinion is that you will not be laid on the shelf, and that if you remain out here the admiral will give you the first vacancy that occurs."