This virtue is rare, and very commendable; and I doubt not that, had you not so freely given up your own wishes and inclinations to those of your comrade, you might both have perished miserably." He further expressed his high opinion of Ned's bravery, and discretion, by giving him a command in the ship as third officer; finding, on inquiry, that he had learned how to take the altitude of the sun, and to do other things necessary for the discovery of the position of the ship.
These signs of goodwill on the part of the admiral caused, as might have been expected, some jealousy among a considerable portion of the equipage.

Many, indeed, were glad at the position which Ned had gained by his enterprise and courage.

Others, however, grumbled, and said that it was hard that those who had done their duty on board the ship should be passed over, in favor of mere youngsters, who had been wandering on their own account on land.

Ned himself felt that there was some reason for this jealousy, upon the part of those who had borne the burden of all the great labors, which those on board the Golden Hind had undergone; and he spoke to the admiral and expressed his willingness, nay more, his desire, to remain as a private gentleman and adventurer on board the ship.

This, however, Captain Francis would not hear of.
"Merit has to be rewarded," he said, "wheresoever it is found.
These men have done their duty.