CHAPTER X

BACK AT SCARCOMBE

The news of their destination had created great satisfaction among the crew, as there was little honour or prize-money to be gained, and the vessel had been for some time incessantly engaged in hunting for foes that were never found. Not the least pleased was Will. He had left England a friendless ship's-boy; he returned home a midshipman, with a most creditable record, and with a fortune that, when he left the service, would enable him to live in more than comfort.

On arriving at Portsmouth the crew were at once paid off, and Will was appointed to the _Tartar_, a thirty-four gun frigate. On hearing the name of the ship, Dimchurch and Tom Stevens at once volunteered. They were given a fortnight's leave; so Will, with Tom Stevens, determined to take a run up to Scarcombe, and the same day took coach to London. Dimchurch said he should spend his time in Portsmouth, as there was no one up in the north he cared to see, especially as it would take eight days out of his fortnight's leave to go to his native place and back.

On the fourth day after leaving London the two travellers reached Scarborough. Tom Stevens started at once, with his kit on a stick, to walk to the village, while Will made enquiries for the house of Mrs. Archer, which was Miss Warden's married name. Without much trouble he made his way to it; and when the servant answered his knock he said: "I wish to see Mrs. Archer."

Answer the following questions:
1. Was the crew happy about the news they received?
2. Why?
3. Where was the ship headed?
4. Did they have to leave again immediately?
5. How much time did they have there?
6. Where did Will and Tom decide to go?
7. Where was the first stop on their journey there?
8. How did they go to London?
9. Did Dimchurch come with them?
10. Did he go to his home instead?
11. How many days from London was Scarborough?
12. Did Will and Tom continue together after reaching there?
13. Where did Tom go?
14. And Will?
15. Did she have another name formerly?
16. What was it?
17. Why did she change her name?
18. What was her first name?
19. Was it difficult for Will to find her house?
20. Who answered the door there?
1. yes
2. there was little honour or prize-money to be gained
3. Portsmouth
4. no
5. a fortnight
6. Scarcombe
7. yes
8. coach
9. no
10. yes
11. Four Days
12. no
13. to the village
14. He made enquiries for the house of Mrs. Archer,
15. yes
16. Miss Warden
17. She got married
18. unknown
19. no
20. the servant