s, as in
imagination we saw them gliding here and there about the cliffs.

But there was war in our cottage at the Bay--desperate war. Mother
Bonnet coming every morning with fish and cream and chickens and fruit
for her boy, as she called Bigley; and our Kicksey snorting and
indignant at the intrusion, and telling old Sam that it was just as if
master was too poor to pay for things.

Then by degrees my father grew well enough to sit out in the little
battery by his guns, and breathe the soft sea-breezes that came in from
the west; and here he used to receive our foreman, who came over every
morning to report how much lead had been smelted and cast, and how the
mine was growing more productive.

For as fast as the men grew well enough, they returned to their duties.
The cottages were restored as quickly as was possible, and every day the
traces of the French attack grew less visible; but still my father did
not get quite well.

Bob Chowne was over with us a great deal, and I believe he did both
Bigley and me a vast deal of good from being so cantankerous. He would
do anything for us; fetch, carry, or turn himself into a crutch for
Bigley to lean upon, as he hopped down the garden to a chair; but he
must be allowed to snarl and find fault, and snarl he did horribly.

One day when I was beginning to feel quite strong again, and I was able
to take a long breath once more without feeling sharp pricking
sensations, and afterwards a long dull aching pain, I went down the
garden to find Bigley standing before my father with his head bent and
listening patiently to what seemed to be a scolding.

"I've told you before, my lad. Ah, Sep, you there?"

"Yes, father," I said. "I beg your pardon. I did not know."

"There, stop," cried my father. "It is nothing that you may not hear.
Bigley Uggleston is talking again about going, and I am bullying him for
it."

"I can't help it, Captain Duncan," cried poor Bigley passionately. "I
want to be frank and honest; and it always seems dreadful to me that,
after what has taken place and your terrible losses, I should be staying
here and receiving favours at your hands."

"Now, my good lad, listen to me," said my father. "Do you think that I
am so wanting in gentlemanly feeling that I should wish to visit the sin
of another upon your head?"

"No, sir; but I am in such a strange position."

"You are, my lad; but you see your father has always had the worthy
ambition to giv