r his appointment would meet with approval, and
whether his duties would take him soon into the country of the enemy.

"I'm fit and well at any rate," he said to himself, as he leaned against
the rail. "There's nothing like sea breeze to clear fever away, and
though I own that I was as weak as a rat when I was transferred here, I
am now, thanks to the excellent rations provided, as fit as I ever was."

"And depend upon it, you will soon be employed," answered a young
officer, who stood beside him, and who, having volunteered for service,
had come out with Sir Garnet, only to fall ill on the voyage and be sent
to the hospital ship within a few hours of reaching the coast. "We
shall all be at it soon, and I'm glad that I've had this attack now, and
not waited till later. Hullo! there comes the Governor's launch."

They watched the tiny vessel steam away from its anchorage just beyond
the surf opposite Cape Coast Castle, for, as has been explained, there
was no harbour on this coast, nothing had been done to afford protection
to even the smallest shipping. The launch stood away from the shore,
and presently arrived at the gangway hanging to the side of the hospital
ship. There was a staff officer aboard, and having ascended to the
deck, and saluted the medical officer in charge, he descended with him
to the cabin. A few minutes later he came up again, and his companion
pointed to Dick.

"There he is," he said, with a good-natured smile. "I pass him as fit,
and shall be glad to get rid of him, for, 'pon my word, the youngster
has been the worry of my life. Every day he has pestered me to allow
him to go ashore. Take him and welcome."

"Then, Mr Stapleton, the General sends his compliments and desires that
you will call at Government House and see his Chief of the Staff. Will
you come now?"

Would he come at once? Dick smiled at the very idea, and ran below with
all the eagerness of a boy. Soon he appeared again, spruce and neat in
his white clothing, and stepped into the launch.

"Remember me. Dick," sang out the young officer, who had become
friendly with him. "If there is a boat expedition or anything going, I
am a volunteer. Ask to choose your own staff, and don't forget that I
shall be keen."

Half an hour later the surf-boat had landed them, and our hero felt like
a young horse which has been conveyed oversea, and has not set foot on
land for many a day. It was glorious to feel the sand under hi