CHAPTER III.
IT was little more than half an hour after the Secretary of the Navy parted with Jenny, ere she entered his office again; but now with her beautiful face flushed and eager.
"I have found him!" she exclaimed; "I knew he was on board this ship!" The Secretary's interest had been awakened by the former brief interview with Jenny, and when she came in with the announcement, he was not only affected with pleasure, but his feelings were touched by her manner.

"How is it, then," he inquired, "that his name is not to be found in the list of her crew ?" "He entered the service under the name of Edward James." "Ah! that explains it." "And now, sir," said Jenny, in a voice so earnest and appealing, that her auditor felt like granting her desire without a moment's reflection: "I have come to entreat you to give me his release." "On what ground do you make this request ?" inquired the Secretary, gazing into the sweet young face of Jenny, with a feeling of respect blended with admiration.
"On the ground of humanity," was the simple yet earnestly spoken reply.
"How can you put it on that ground ?" "A young man of his education and abilities can serve society better in another position." "But he has chosen the place he is in." "Not deliberately.

In a moment of disappointment and blind passion he took a false step.

Severely has he suffered for this act.

Let it not be prolonged, lest it destroy him.