" he thought, as he swam on,
growing so much excited now by the novelty of his position that his
limbs grew heavy, and it was not without effort that he neared the bank,
still covered by the two guns; and at last touched bottom, waded a few
paces, and climbed out to where he was able to mount the slope and stand
in safety upon the grass.

"Ned, old fellow, what is it?" whispered Uncle Jack, catching his
brother's arm, for he saw his face turn of a ghastly hue.

"Hush! don't take any notice. I shall be better directly. Load that
empty barrel."

Uncle John Munday Bedford obeyed in silence, but kept an eye upon his
brother as he poured in powder, rammed down a wad, and then sent a
charge of big shot rattling into the gun before thrusting in another wad
and ramming it home.

As he did all this, and then prised open the pan of the lock to see that
it was well filled with the fine powder--for there were no breechloaders
in those days, and the captain had decided to take their old flint-lock
fowling-pieces for fear that they might be stranded some day up-country
for want of percussion caps--the deadly sickness passed off, and Captain
Bedford sighed deeply, and began to reload in turn.

Meanwhile, Norman, after glancing at his father, naturally enough ran to
where he had left his clothes, hurried into shirt and trousers, and as
soon as he was, like his companions, half-dressed, came toward the two
men, Rifle and Tim following him, after the trio had had a whispered
consultation.

"I'm very sorry, father," faltered Norman, as he saw the stern, frowning
face before him, while Uncle Jack looked almost equally solemn.

Then, as the captain remained silent, the lad continued: "I know you
said that we were to journey up the country quite in military fashion,
and obey orders in everything; but I did not think it would be doing
anything wrong for us all to go and have a morning swim."

"Was it your doing?" said the captain, coldly.

"Yes, father. I know it was wrong now, but I said there would be time
for us all to bathe, as the river was so near. I didn't think that--"

"No," said the captain, sternly, "you did not think--you did not stop to
think, Norman. That is one of the differences between a boy and a man.
Remember it, my lad. A boy does not stop to think: as a rule a man
does. Now, tell me this, do I ever refuse to grant you boys any
reasonable enjoyment?"

"No, father."

"And I told you before we started t