me?"

Where is the midshipman who would not have answered as I did, and say
that I should be delighted, and that the more danger the better fun? In
fact, my heart almost came into my mouth at the proposal; and my only
fear was that the captain might put his veto on it.

"Oh! just tell him, sir," said I, "that I have neither father nor
mother, nor brother nor sister; and I don't think that the great
Counsellor D'Arcy would break his heart if anything happened to me, nor
bring an action against him for expending a midshipman uselessly. My
other uncle is a naval officer, and he would never dream of objecting."

I do not know if these reasons had any weight with the captain, but he
granted his consent to my accompanying Mr Vernon, who forthwith gave me
a sketch of his proposed plan of proceeding.

"You must know, D'Arcy," said he, "that the young Reefian informs me
that the _Ariadne_ was driven inshore by a heavy gale; and that before
she had time to haul off, a calm came on, when several boats, manned by
his people, pulled off to her. The master, who seems to have been a
brave fellow, had no notion of yielding without a blow, and, arming his
crew, gave them a warm reception. Several of the Reefians were killed
and wounded before they could make good their footing on board. The
gallant master was killed, and so were more than half his crew. Major
Norman and the rest of the people escaped without a wound, though they
expected to be cut to pieces; but their defence had so excited the
admiration of their captors, that they were, instead, treated with
considerable kindness, though ultimately marched off as prisoners. Miss
Norman was discovered in the cabin; but when it was known who was her
father, he was allowed to accompany her. The people who captured the
brig belong to a tribe ruled over by a powerful chief, who resides some
miles along the coast. He seems to have claimed the brig as his own
perquisite; and this youth, who is a relation of his, was living on
board to take care of her. Miss Norman and her father likewise became
his property, but I cannot speak my gratitude to Heaven, on finding that
she is treated with the most perfect respect, while her father is
employed in the gardens of the Kaid. His young nephew describes him as
a fierce, despotic old fellow, not at all likely to give up his
captives, unless compelled by force. He says that he is so very
wealthy, that no temptation of a high ransom will