ready; because Dan was podding into his first love. To the sympathetic

telescope his heart was low, and his mind gone beyond astronomical

range, and his hands (instead of briskly pairing soles) hung asunder,

and sprawled like a star-fish.

"Indeed he does look sad," said Miss Dolly, "he is thinking of me, as

he always does; but I don't see how anybody can blame me. But here comes

daddy, with dear old Flapfin! I am not a bit afraid of either of them;

but perhaps I had better run away."

CHAPTER III

AND HER TRUE COMMANDER

The nature of "Flapfin"--as Miss Dolly Darling and other young people

were pleased to call him--was to make his enemies run away, but his

friends keep very near to him. He was one of the simplest-minded men

that ever trod the British oak. Whatever he thought he generally said;

and whatever he said he meant and did. Yet of tricks and frauds he had

quick perception, whenever they were tried against him, as well as a

marvellous power of seeing the shortest way to everything. He enjoyed a

little gentle piece of vanity, not vainglory, and he never could sec any

justice in losing the credit of any of his exploits. Moreover, he was

gifted with the highest faith in the hand of the Almighty over him (to

help him in all his righteous deeds), and over his enemies, to destroy

them. Though he never insisted on any deep piety in his own behavior, he

had a good deal in his heart when time allowed, and the linstocks were

waiting the signal. His trust was supreme in the Lord and himself; and

he loved to be called "My Lord Admiral."

And a man of this noble type deserved to be met with his own nobility.

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