I care nothing about the Mediterranean, and it would matter little if I did." "I am sorry to hear you speak in that way," said Nelson, "for I had reckoned a good deal on your activity, personal knowledge, and abilities, to execute a service of some consequence in the upper parts of the station.

In this view I have been cutting out a cruise for you, which I had hoped might enable you to see everything that is interesting, and at the same time to execute a delicate and difficult piece of service.

But if you really do not fancy it, only say so--it is not a business that can be done well on compulsion, but must be done cheerfully.

If you have a mind to go, well and good--if not, I must look out for some one else--but you are the man I should prefer, if it be agreeable to you.

Here is a sketch of your orders, and there is the chart--look them over at leisure, and make your decision." As Lord Nelson spoke these words he went on deck, leaving the poor man bewildered at the prospect of the very employment he most desired, and not a little ashamed of himself for having anticipated so different a reception.