e was blind-man's
buff, in which all the maid-servants as well as the children joined, and
Mrs Clagget's own maid and the Diceys' Susan, who had come with the
children. Well was that Christmas Day remembered by most of the party.

Soon after this the Diceys began to make active preparations for their
intended voyage. Charles went up to London and engaged a passage for
himself and sisters, and for Mrs Clagget, on board the "Crusader." He
came back, describing her as a very fine vessel, and he seemed well
pleased with her commander, Captain Westerway.

As the time for parting approached, the young people began to feel that
it would prove a greater trial than they had expected. While talking of
their future life in the colony, and anticipating the various novel
scenes and the new existence they were to enjoy, they had scarcely
considered the wrench to their feelings which they would have to endure.
Mr and Mrs Dicey had felt this, probably, from the first; and
therefore, when the trial came, they were better prepared for it. Willy
was the first to be got ready to start with his friend, Harry Shafto.
We will, therefore, follow their fortunes before we accompany our other
friends on their voyage.

CHAPTER TWO.

THE "RANGER" SAILS.

HARRY AND WILLY LEAVE HOME--JOURNEY TO PORTSMOUTH--THE "BLUE POSTS"--
MIDSHIPMEN'S TRICKS--ON BOARD THE "RANGER"--THE SOLDIER-OFFICERS--THE
SERGEANT'S WIFE--MRS MORLEY AND HER FAMILY--MRS RUMBELOW NURSES
WILLY--CAPE OF GOOD HOPE--SENT TO LAND TROOPS--THE "RANGER" IN DANGER--
DRIVING TOWARDS SHORE--THE LAST ANCHOR HOLDS--SAIL MADE--MRS RUMBELOW'S
SERMON--TROOPS CARRIED ON.

One bright morning at the end of January, the Portsmouth coach drove up
to Major Shafto's door. The Diceys were breakfasting at the house, for
Harry Shafto's leave was up, and he was to take Willy with him on board
the "Ranger," then lying in Portsmouth harbour. Farewells were said,
fond embraces exchanged, for Harry, though a tall young man, was not
ashamed to kiss his mother again and again, and his dear young sisters;
nor did Willy mind the tears which trickled unbidden from his eyes. His
heart was very full; though he had so longed to go to sea, now that he
was actually going, he felt that he should be ready, if required, to
give up all his bright hopes, and stay at home.

In spite of the cold, the whole family came out and stood at the door
while the two young sailors mounted to the top of the coach. "Al