The halted
and breakfasted at the end of the stage, where Jolter provided
himself with a horse, and the commodore settled the method of
corresponding with his nephew. The minute of parting being arrived,
the old commander wrung his godson by the hand, saying, "I wish
thee a prosperous voyage and good cheer, my lad: my timbers are
now a little crazy, d'ye see; and God knows if I shall keep afloat
till such time as I see thee again; but howsomever, hap what will,
thou wilt find thyself in a condition to keep in the line with
the rest of thy fellows." He then reminded Gauntlet of his promise
to call at the garrison in his return from Dover, and imparted
something in a whisper to the governor, while Jack Hatchway, unable
to speak, pulled his hat over his eyes, and, squeezing Peregrine by
the hand, gave him a pistol of curious workmanship, as a memorial
of his friendship. Our youth, who was not unmoved on this occasion,
received the pledge, which he acknowledged with the present of a
tobacco-box bought for this purpose; and the two lads of the castle
getting into the coach, were driven homewards, in a state of silent
dejection.
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