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"A frigate!" said Hornblower.

Everybody knew of Pellew's reputation and success. Distinction, promotion, prize money--an officer under Pellew's command could hope for all these. Competition for nomination to the Indefatigable must be intense, and this was the chance of a lifetime. Hornblower was on the point of making a glad acceptance, when further considerations restrained him.

"That is very good of you, sir" he said. "I do not know how to thank you. But you accepted me as a midshipman here, and of course I must stay with you."

The drawn, apprehensive face relaxed into a smile.

"Not many men would have said that" said Keene. "But I am going to insist on your accepting the offer. I shall not live very much longer to appreciate your loyalty. And this ship is not the place for you--this ship with her useless captain--don't interrupt me--and her worn-out first lieutenant and her old midshipmen. You should be where there may be speedy opportunities of advancement. I have the good of the service in mind, Mr. Hornblower, when I suggest you accept Captain Pellew's invitation--and it might be less disturbing for me if you did."