"I am not so certain of that," said Jack; "I know that they talk of sending out several to put a stop to the kidnapping system which has of late prevailed in the Pacific, as also to keep some of the black and brown island-chiefs in order, and they may fix on Adair as likely as on anyone else." "Poor Lucy!" said Julia; "I am sure I don't really wish her to share my fate." This conversation took place at Colonel Giffard's, where Jack and his bride were staying. The very next day he got a letter from Adair, who with Lucy was at Southsea, saying that he had been appointed to the _Eolus_, to proceed forthwith to the Pacific station. "Lucy behaves capitally, like a sailor's wife, and says she knows I ought to go--though it is a cruel affair to us both. However, Jack, I know that you will compassionate us, and that your wife will do her best to comfort her when I am away. I tell her that I have hopes of coming back in a couple of years, as I will try at the end of that time to get superseded, which, with the help of the admiral, I hope I may succeed in doing." "Poor Lucy!" said Julia, "we must support each other; but when we married, I little thought such would be our fate." Jack, of course, took his wife down to Southsea, as, fortunately for him, the _Dragon_ was fitting out at Portsmouth, as was also the _Eolus_. The young ladies, having got over their first sensations of grief when they met, wisely determined to make the most of their husbands during the time they remained with them. The _Eolus_ was almost ready for sea, and sailed about a fortnight after Adair had commissioned her. Curiously enough, Desmond had been previously appointed to her; so he once more accompanied his uncle. The _Dragon_ was not ready till the week afterwards. Jack was glad to get Jos Green as master, with Mr Mildmay as his first lieutenant. His brother Tom, who had been taking a spell on shore, was appointed to her, and, just before she sailed, Archie Gordon joined her. Dick Needham, though eligible for a much higher rate, had joined as gunner, with Mr Large, who had been with Jack in the _Gauntlet_, as boatswain. When it was known that Jack was to command the _Dragon_, several old shipmates volunteered, Jerry Bird and Tim Nolan among them. Tom was much pleased to have his old messmate Billy Blueblazes. Dicky Duff had joined the _Eolus_. Altogether Jack was well satisfied with his officers and ship's company.