The Story of Nelson Part 8

The admiral's house commanded an extensive view of the Solent, looking across to Portsmouth, down the channel towards Cowes and up over Spithead. One bright morning after breakfast, the admiral, as usual, with his eye at the telescope, was watching the ever-varying scene on the waters before him, when he exclaimed, "Two frigates standing in, and one is French, a prize to the other. To my eye the Frenchman seems the biggest of the two; I must send over and learn all about it." He rang the bell, his old c.o.xswain appeared. "Judson, take the wherry and board that frigate, and give my compliments and learn the particulars of the action, and if her captain can spare time I shall be very glad to see him. Here, give this note if--" The admiral spoke a few words in an undertone heard by no one else.

Judson hurried off. There was a fair breeze to Spithead, and back--a soldier's wind. Alice watched the progress of the boat with great interest. She reached the English frigate, remained a short time, and was speedily on her way back. Before she had long left the frigate she was followed by another boat which overtook her as she reached the sh.o.r.e.

A short time afterwards, Judson appeared, and put a card into his master's hand. "Say that I shall be delighted to see him when he can come up."

"What about the action, Judson?" asked the admiral.

"Just the finest, sir, that has been fought during the war," answered Judson. "He'll be up here presently, and tell you more about it than I can."

Scarcely ten minutes had pa.s.sed by, when Judson announced, "Captain Sir Pearce Ripley!" The admiral received the young captain with every mark of regard. "And now let me introduce you to my guests, General and Miss Verner; but, by the by, you know them, I think."

Alice, lost to all sense of decorum, sprang forward to receive him. The general put out his hand in a cordial manner, and with many compliments congratulated him on his success. The admiral having listened to an account of the action, dragged off the general to see some improvements on the farm; the ladies of the family left the room, and Pearce Ripley heard from Alice's own lips that her father fully sanctioned their union. He claimed a sailor's privilege, and before a month had pa.s.sed their marriage took place.

Bonham obtained his post rank, and though he had not the talent of his friend, he ever proved himself an active efficient officer. Harry Verner quitted the service, finding that, notwithstanding his connections, his merits were not appreciated, and that he was not likely to obtain his promotion. He soon afterwards broke his neck out hunting.

Sir Pearce Ripley commanded several line of battle ships, and took an active part in three of England's greatest naval victories. He in due course became an admiral, and was created a baronet, and his sons entering the navy rose to the highest rank in their n.o.ble profession.