that she listened more willingly to him than to any of the
other officers. At all events, he enjoyed a happiness in her company he
had never before known, though he could not at times forget that in a
few days they must be parted, and that the chances of meeting again were
very small.

English Harbour is not so much liked by midshipmen as by gunroom
officers and captains, the former having shorter leave and smaller
purses, not being able to get away so often to amuse themselves in the
capital on the other side of the island as their superiors.

Mr Houghton, a friend of Colonel O'Regan, had come on board to take
luncheon with the midshipmen, as had Alick Gordon.

"I vote we take a cruise this afternoon," exclaimed Tom. "Mr Houghton,
you were saying that you wished to go down to Falmouth Harbour, and Mr
Cherry will, I daresay, lend us the pinnace. It is only about two miles
to leeward, and we can beat back again in time to land you for your
dinner-hour."

Mr Houghton accepted the invitation. Tom forthwith went to the first
lieutenant, with whom he was a favourite, to ask for the boat.

"You may have her, youngster," was the answer; "but keep a look-out for
squalls; they are apt to come off the shore without warning, and you may
be capsized in a moment if you are not on your guard."

"Thank you, sir, we will take great care," answered Tom, returning to
the berth to report the success of his mission.

Mr Jennings, the lieutenant of marines, hearing that they were going,
begged to accompany them. Desmond, Archy, and Norris, McTavish, the
assistant-surgeon, and the captain's clerk, made up the party, with two
men to look after the boat while they were on shore.

The wind was light, the sea smooth, and with all sail set before the
breeze they ran down the coast. In a short time they arrived at their
destination, and, as the weather was hot and they had not much time to
spare, they amused themselves on the beach while Mr Houghton went up to
pay his visit. He was not long absent, and on his return they at once
shoved off and stood to the southward, hoping to find more wind at a
distance from the shore. They were a merry party, and as usual stories
were told and songs sung. They had made several tacks, but as yet had
got not more than half way back to the ship.

"We will go about again," said Norris, who was at the helm. "At all
events inshore we shall feel less of the current which drifts us to
leeward almost