Such a union in service is delightful to witness." "Well may they go in company, Mr.Wychecombe," returned the stranger, betraying a little emotion.

"Oakes and Bluewater were reefers together, under old Breasthook, in the Mermaid; and when the first was made a lieutenant into the Squid, the last followed as a mate.

Oakes was first of the Briton, in her action with the Spanish frigates, and Bluewater third.

For that affair Oakes got a sloop, and his friend went with him as his first.

The next year they had the luck to capture a heavier ship than their own, when, for the first time in their service, the two young men were separated; Oakes getting a frigate, and Bluewater getting the Squid.