"There are your written instructions, and there are the dispatches, which I charge you to take the utmost care of and guard with your life, if necessary, for they are of the most vital importance.  So important, indeed, are they that I tell you frankly I should not feel justified in entrusting them to so youthful an officer as yourself, had I anybody else that I could send.  But I have not, therefore I cannot help myself, and I have every confidence that you will do your very utmost to carry out my instructions in their entirety.  These are, that you proceed to sea forthwith, and make the best of your way to Kingston, in Jamaica, carrying on night and day, and pausing for nothing--nothing, mind you, for this is a matter in which hours, ay, and even minutes, are of importance.  If you should happen to be attacked you must of course fight, but not otherwise, remember that!  And if there should be any prospect of your being captured, wait until the last possible moment, until all chance of escape is gone, and then sink the packet.  Remember, it must on no account be allowed to fall into the hands of the enemy. And upon your arrival at Kingston you are at once to make your way to the admiral, let the hour be what it will, day or night, and place the packet in his own hands.  There, I need say no more now, for you will find all these matters fully set out in your written instructions.  And now, good-bye, my boy, and God speed you safely to your destination!  I know not what may lie before you on the other side, or whether we shall ever meet again in this world; but remember that in me you will always find a friend ready to help you to the best of his ability, and who will always be glad to hear of your welfare.  Good-bye, lad, and God bless you!"  And, with a hearty grip of his honest old hand, he dismissed me.