owner, while the
boys were not likely to have the means of paying for her, she was
doubtful.

"As to that," said Bill, "we shall have plenty of prize-money. I hope
to pay for her over and over again; and I will promise most faithfully
to do so."

Jeannette smiled, for she thought that there was very little probability
of the two young ship-boys ever getting prize-money sufficient to pay
for such a boat as they required, to make a voyage across the Channel.

Bill was anxious to get back to poor Jack, who he remembered was
well-nigh starving. Jeannette would have accompanied him part of the
way, but she had to remain at home to receive Captain Turgot and Pierre.
She had, in the meantime, packed a basket with provisions for Jack and
himself, that they might be independent for a couple of days. He
therefore jumped up, and, begging her to remember him very kindly to the
others, he bade her farewell, and, with the basket on his arm, slipped
out of the house as cautiously as he had entered.

He had noted every object as he came along, so that he had no difficulty
in making his way back. He also easily discovered the small cave
described by Jeannette. It was at a convenient distance from the large
cavern, and, as a path led near it, should Jeannette be perceived, it
might be supposed that she was making her way to the top of the cliff.

Bill did not stop longer than was necessary to examine the place to be
certain of being able to find it again, as he knew that Jack would be
anxiously waiting for him. He hurried on, therefore, and in a short
time reached the beach below the cavern. Climbing up, he called out,
"All right, Jack!" But Jack did not answer. He called again, but still
there was no reply, and he began to feel very anxious.

Had the soldiers been there and carried off his companion? or had Jack
died of starvation?

Jeannette had thoughtfully put a tinder-box, flint and steel, and a
couple of candles into the basket. After feeling his way on for some
distance, he stopped and lighted one of the candles.

The faint light gave the cavern a wild, strange appearance, so that he
could scarcely have known where he was. He looked round on every side,
but could nowhere see Jack; he became more and more alarmed; still he
did not give up all hope of finding him.

Again and again he called out "Jack!"

At length a faint voice came from the interior. He hurried on. There
lay Jack on the ground.

"Is that