he was coming to close quarters. Then there was silence for a little
while, and at last I saw a white kerchief waving from the window, and
perceived, moreover, that it was Phoebe herself who was fluttering it.
Well, she was a smart, kindly-hearted lass, and I was glad in my heart
that the old seaman should have such a one to look after him.

Here, then, was one good friend settled down finally for life. Another
warned me that I was wasting my best years in the hamlet. A third, the
most respected of all, advised me openly to throw in my lot with the
insurgents, should the occasion arise. If I refused, I should have the
shame of seeing my aged father setting off for the wars, whilst I
lingered at home. And why should I refuse? Had it not long been the
secret wish of my heart to see something of the great world, and what
fairer chance could present itself? My wishes, my friend's advice, and
my father's hopes all pointed in the one direction.

'Father,' said I, when I returned home, 'I am ready to go where you
will.'

'May the Lord be glorified!' he cried solemnly. 'May He watch over your
young life, and keep your heart steadfast to the cause which is
assuredly His!'

And so, my dear grandsons, the great resolution was taken, and I found
myself committed to one side in the national quarrel.



Chapter VII.