, doctor, we all went through a
deal all along of these Frenchies, for I don't see how it could have
happened if it hadn't been for them."

"Why, you took us up the river, captain," cried Rodd indignantly.

"That's true, sir, but it was to do the best for their leaky brig, and I
made her as good a craft as ever she was; so you needn't chuck that in
my teeth."

"Be silent, Rodney, and let the captain speak."

Rodd gave himself a snatch and clenched his fists.

"Well, sir, to make a long story short, the Count gammoned you into
keeping company with him, and brought you here--here, of all places in
the world--here, to Saint Helena," and he thumped the chart just where
the island was marked.

"Yes," said the doctor thoughtfully--"here, to the neighbourhood of
Saint Helena; upon a scientific research."

"Scientific research!" growled the skipper scornfully. "Look here, sir,
don't you be so innocent. You make me wild. What's this 'ere Count? A
Frenchman, aren't he?"

"Well, plenty of clever Frenchmen have followed science," said the
doctor indignantly.

"Chinese too, sir, though they can't dress like Christians," cried the
skipper. "But just you tell me this 'ere, sir; who lives at Saint
Helena? Don't old Bony? Him as we shut up like the warlike lunatic he
is, to keep him out of mischief?"

"Well, yes," said the doctor, much more suavely; "there is something in
that."

"I should think there is, sir! Haven't I heard you carry on dozens of
times about what a bad 'un he's been to the whole world?"

"Yes, yes, Chubb; I certainly do entertain strong feelings against that
tyrant and usurper."

"You do, sir. I've heard you say things at times as have sounded
red-hot."

"And I'm not ashamed of them, Captain Chubb," cried the doctor warmly.

"'Shamed on 'em! Not you, sir! They're a honour to you as an English
gentleman. Not much of the innocent in you about that."

"Thank you, Captain Chubb; thank you," said the doctor.

"Oh, uncle!" cried Rodd, between his teeth.

"You let your uncle alone, youngster; I aren't done with him yet. Now
then, doctor, your eyes aren't quite open now, but you are beginning to
peep. Now, just have the goodness to tell me what you are a-doing here
at Saint Helena--a place that a gentleman with your sentiments ought to
have kept clear of like pison."

"Well," cried the doctor, warming up again, "you know I have accompanied
my friend the Count upon his scientific expediti