Houghtons he should be delighted to give her and her attendant a
passage, and any lady who might be able to accompany her. He would,
however, consult Commander Babbicome and ascertain whether the _Tudor_
could be got ready for sea in time. Commander Babbicome was mute. When
the colonel had gone, he expressed himself somewhat strongly to his
superior.

"He had heard reports concerning Colonel O'Regan's schemes, and he had
no wish to commit himself by carrying such a person on board his ship--
charming as Miss O'Regan might be considered by some. He did not always
go with the herd."

The captain of the frigate could send the _Tudor_ to sea, but he could
not compel her commander to give up his cabin to passengers, so he did
not press the point. It would have been better for Commander Babbicome
had he been more courteous, but no more than other mortals could he
foresee what the future was to bring forth.

Colonel O'Regan went on board the brig _Sarah Jane_. Though of so
unwarlike a name, she was a large rakish craft, evidently very fast,
with square yards and taunt masts, well fitted for a blockade-runner or
any work of that description; and her skipper, a dark, big-whiskered
fellow, looked the man fit to command her. He and the colonel shook
hands as if they had before been acquainted, and had a long
conversation.

"Under the circumstances, colonel, we'll clear out for Portobello
instead of Port Royal," he said, laughing; "for as you know we have a
roving commission, and we may find a better market for our goods on the
Spanish Main than at a British port. I expect to fall in with the sloop
to the westward of Saint Kitt's, when we may get some stores from her
and proceed in company."

The colonel having concluded his arrangements, returned to the cottage.
Stella evinced no surprise when he communicated his change of plan.

"Am I to accompany you?" she asked in a faltering voice, while her cheek
became paler than usual. At one time she would have entreated to be
allowed to go without asking whither.

"As the cabins of the brig are commodious, and the frigate is not likely
to sail for some time, I shall be glad of your society," answered the
colonel, not remarking her increasing agitation.

"Should the state of affairs not be more propitious than of late, I
intend returning forthwith to Jamaica, where I will leave you with your
relatives, the Bradshaws, while I go back once more to await the course
of event