"It will be an advantage to the youngster perhaps, and, besides, it will freshen me up a bit myself," he observed to Jack's father; "so say no more about it, neighbour Rogers." On their arrival at Portsmouth they went to the _George_, and the Admiral then took Jack to try on the rest of his kit. "And I say, Mr Selby," observed the Admiral, "just shake the reefs out of the youngster's clothes at once, will you; why you would stop his growth if you were to swaddle him up in that way." "Certainly, Admiral; but young gentlemen nowadays fancy well-fitting trousers," observed the tailor. "And tight-pinching shoes, which will give them corns, and prevent them stepping out like men," observed the Admiral; "but though they are silly, wiser people should not humour them." Leaving Jack with the tailor, who was really a very trustworthy man, Admiral Triton stumped down to the well-known Point, to have a look about him, as he said. While he was standing there, with his hands in his old pea-coat pocket, gazing out on the harbour, and thinking of bygone days and many an event of his youth connected with that place, a man-of-war's boat ran in among the wherries, and a youngster sprang out of her, a small portmanteau being afterwards handed to him. "Hillo, my man! if you're inclined to gain a shilling, just carry this up to the _George_ for me, will you?" exclaimed the midshipman, addressing the rough-looking, one-legged seaman he saw before him. The Admiral was so tickled with the notion, that without saying a word he touched his hat, and taking the portmanteau, stumped off with it, followed by the owner. Two waiters were standing at the door of the _George_. When they saw the Admiral they hurried forward. "Pray, Admiral, let me help you in with that thing," they exclaimed eagerly. At the same moment up came Jack. He burst into a jovial fit of laughter. There before him stood Terence Adair, in midshipman's uniform, the very picture of dismay. "Oh, sir, I beg your pardon, I did not know you were an Admiral!" he exclaimed. Just then he caught the eye of Jack, who had gone up to the Admiral. Paddy's countenance brightened a little. "How lucky!" he added. "Do apologise for me, Jack." "Well, well, but I say, youngster, you are not going to do me out of my shilling; just hand me that, at all events," said the Admiral, laughing. "Another time save your money, and carry your shirt-collars yourself." Terence, fumbling in his pocket, produced the coin, which the Admiral bestowed on an old blind man who was passing at the moment. Jack and Terence shook hands heartily. A look from the first assured the other that he need not have the slightest fear of the consequences of his mistake. "What ship do you belong to, youngster?" asked the Admiral. "The _Racer_, sir," said Terence; "she's a fine frigate--there's not another like her in the service." The Admiral looked approvingly when he heard the remark.