to what was evidently a
house of considerable size, as the lights came from windows some
distance above the ground. While Le Duc went forward, the rest of the
party remained concealed under shelter of some thick bushes. He had not
got far when a loud barking showed that several dogs were on the watch.

He advanced, however, boldly, calling to the dogs, and shouting for some
one to come and receive him.

The animals, though satisfied that he was not a thief, seemed to suspect
that there were other persons not far off.

"I say, here the brutes come," whispered Tom. "They'll be tearing us to
pieces. The people in these parts, I have read, have great big
bloodhounds to hunt the Indians with. If they come near us we must
knock them over."

"That won't make the people inclined to treat us more kindly," answered
Jack. "When the dogs find we are quiet, they'll let us alone."

Just then the voice of some one was heard calling the dogs, who went
back to the house.

Some time passed. At last Le Duc's voice was heard. It was too dark to
see him.

"It's all arranged, messieurs," he said. "There's an old lady and two
young ladies in the house. I told them all about you, when they said
that they were fond of the English, and would be very happy to give you
shelter and food, but that you must come quietly so that no one but
their old brown maitre d'hotel, and black girls who wait on them, should
know that you are in the house. Follow me, then, and just have the
goodness to tell the men that they must behave themselves or they may be
getting into trouble."

"I'll tell them what you say," observed Rayner; and turning to the three
seamen, he said--

"Remember that though you are on shore you belong to the _Lily_, and
are, therefore, as much under discipline as if you were on board."

They now proceeded towards the house, led by Le Duc. The two officers
going first, they mounted the steps, and getting inside the house, they
saw an old mulatto carrying a couple of wax candles. He beckoned them
with his head to follow, and led the way to an inner room, when an old
lady advanced to meet them. Behind her came two young ladies, whom the
midshipmen thought very handsome, with dark flashing eyes and black
tresses, their costumes being light and elegant, and suited to that warm
clime. The old lady introduced them as her daughters, Sophie and
Virginie. The midshipmen advanced bowing, and Rayner, who was
spokesman, apol