ill have nothing to do with them," exclaimed the
lieutenant, his confidence in the midshipman as a linguist unshaken.

On the present occasion Norris's services were, however, accepted, and
all in the berth who could get leave agreed to go. Some of the
_Tudor's_ midshipmen who were on board the frigate offered to bring on
the things if they were not ready.

"No! no! thank ye," answered Higson, cocking his eye, "I've a notion
that clean linen would be plentiful aboard the corvette, and by the time
it reached us it would be ready again for the laundress."

He, however, accepted their offer to accompany the expedition. As the
wind was light and off shore they got leave to take the jolly-boat,
being able easily to land in her. Under the guidance of Higson they
made their way up the hill to Senhora Lobo's abode. A stream ran near
it, on the banks of which half-a-dozen women were kneeling battering
away, fine as well as coarse articles of clothing on some rough granite
slabs, occasionally rubbing them as a change, with might and main on the
hard stones, singing at the same time as they rubbed, or stopping
occasionally to laugh and chatter. Among them was discovered Senhora
Lobo or Mother Lobo, as Higson designated her, battering away harder
than anybody at one of his shirts, as an example to her handmaidens.
She rose from her knees, twisting tightly the dripping garment, not to
lose time, as she recognised the young gentlemen, when Norris for a
wonder made her comprehend more by signs than words, that as the ship
was about to sail they must have their clothes immediately.

"Amanaa? to-morrow?" asked Senhora Lobo.

"No, no, `esta noite,' to-night," answered Norris vehemently.

The washerwoman consulted with her attendants. Piles of wet linen lay
on the ground, but a quantity had not yet seen the water. After a
considerable amount of jabbering and talking, it was agreed that the
task could be accomplished. The sun was hot, and the gentlemen must not
be very particular about the ironing. While one half of the damsels set
to work again in the stream, the rest, headed by the mistress, began to
hang up the washed articles, a young girl being despatched apparently
for further assistance. This looked like being in earnest, and the dame
assured Norris that the things should be ready by ten o'clock. How to
spend the intermediate time was the question, and a ramble into the
country was agreed on. Had they been wise they