nd that they begged he would retain his own opinion, notwithstanding
anything they had said on the subject. They had a hearty laugh when
they got back to the berth, fully resolved to bait the boatswain again
on the first opportunity.

At length the two ships lay snugly moored off the Royal Dockyard,
English harbour, in the island of Antigua, the prettiest of all pretty
harbours. Their arrival caused no small commotion among the
inhabitants, especially of the softer sex, when it was known that they
were to remain some time, and that a ball was to be given to the
officers at Government House. Colonel O'Regan and his daughter went on
shore to stay with their friends, Mr and Mrs Houghton, who had a
pretty cottage residence in the neighbourhood. A deputation came soon
afterwards to invite them to the ball. At first Stella was disposed to
decline the honour, as it involved a drive of eleven miles across the
island to Saint John's, the capital; but Lieutenant Murray, who happened
to be calling at the house, adding his solicitations, she accepted the
invitation. The colonel was much disconcerted by the delay. He had
expected to be at Jamaica some time before, where, as he told Captain
Hemming, he intended to leave his daughter with some friends while he
made an excursion to the Spanish Main. The object he had in view he did
not explain. As there was no help for it he was obliged to submit, and
the captain assured him that after leaving Antigua his intention was to
proceed direct to Jamaica. Antigua, although not so lovely as other
islands to the south, possesses a beauty of its own, and several trips
to enjoy its scenery were made by the officers into the interior. On
two occasions, Alick and Jack accompanied Stella and her father. While
Jack took charge of the colonel, Alick rode by Stella's side. Each time
he met her the more he was attracted, and yet he could not say that she
gave him any encouragement. She was interested in his conversation, for
he was better informed and talked better than his brother officers, but
had she discovered his devoted admiration? They reached a spot near the
coast almost on the summit of one of the lofty cliffs which form
ramparts in most parts around the island, and from whence the ground
slopes inwards in gradual declivities towards the green and grassy
centre. The whole island, which is of a rough circular form, lay in
sight. A line of fortifications crowned an opposite height