"Nor should I, indeed; when I was last on shore during the London season, and went out with my mother and sister, I saw enough of fashionable society to make me resolve whenever I might take it into my head to look out for a wife, not to seek for her in such an atmosphere. I saw numbers of pretty girls, I confess, and, I daresay, some of them possessed sterling qualities. If I particularly admired any one fair lady, on discovering that I was only a midshipman, she was sure to freeze me up the next time I met her." "Had she found that you were a lieutenant with a share of the _Santa Brigida's_ treasure, she might have looked more affectionately on you," said Headland, laughing. "Exactly; but I should not, as you were remarking, have been flattered had I been aware of the motive which prompted her feelings." "So it seems that we are perfectly agreed," said Headland, "and the less we think about the matter till the time comes the better. At all events I intend never to entertain any thoughts of marrying unless I find some one who, rising above ordinary prejudices, is ready to link her fate with mine, regardless of my unknown birth and name." See there are the waggons to carry off our treasure. As he spoke, he pointed to a large number of artillery waggons which had driven into the dockyard, close to which the prizes had been hauled. Two days were employed in landing the rich cargoes, which were escorted by horse and foot soldiers, and armed seamen and marines, and accompanied by bands of music and an immense concourse of people, to the Citadel of Plymouth, in the vaults of which the treasure remained till it was removed to London, and finally deposited in the Bank of England. A similar scene occurred at different times when treasure ships were taken. On one occasion an English captain sailed into port with huge silver candlesticks at his mastheads, and ordinary seamen found themselves possessed of two or three hundred guineas prize money, frequently squandered before many weeks were over; while the officers obtained a proportionate share of wealth. Few, perhaps, thought of the suffering and injustice endured by the owners when gold was captured which belonged to private individuals, and though in some instances when such was the case it was returned, yet in many others non-combatants lost their lives and their property at the same time. Harry and Headland were among the fortunate officers who, having many opportunities of distinguishing themselves, gained wealth and honour together. At length the great victory of the Nile, in which Headland took a part was won, Napoleon's armies had been defeated in Syria and Egypt, Copenhagen had been bombarded, and the treaty of Amiens, speedily again to be broken, had been signed. The ships in which the two lieutenants served came to an anchor at Spithead, within a few days of each other. Harry went on board the frigate in which Headland was serving as first lieutenant.