But what did that signify when Colonel Carey was coming? and a
sovereign would buy a pig three times over--at least, if it was quite
a little one. Christabel wished the hope of that sovereign had never
occurred to him, for he seemed to think it quite set him free from
the little self-restraints by which the others were earning the
pleasure of making the gift; and though he still talked the most
about the pig, he denied himself the least for it.
One evening the boys came in with a great piece of news. Their tutor
had read in the paper that Admiral Penrose was appointed to the
Ramilies, to take command in the Mediterranean. He was a great
friend of their father, and, said the boys, was most likely to make
him his flag-captain.
"And me a naval cadet!" said Hal. "He said he would, when he was
here!"
"One of you, he said," put in Susan.
"I know it will be me!" said Hal. "He looked at the rigging of my
frigate, and said I knew all the ropes quite well; and he told Papa
he might be proud of such a son!"
"Oh! oh!" groaned the aggrieved multitude.
"Well--such a family; but he was looking at me; and I know he will
give me the appointment; and I shall sail in his ship--you'll see.
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