then, to be sure, he might have been after breaking his neck out
hunting, so it comes to the same thing in the end," he exclaimed, with
as near an approach to a sigh as he ever uttered. "Och, ahone, poor
Nora, the sweet cratur! and I not able to bring her back the boy."

Murray was less demonstrative, but he knew that young Archy would be
truly mourned for in his distant highland home.

The schooner now commenced her long beat back to Antigua. There was
every prospect of its being a tedious business; but there was a fresh
breeze, and by carrying on, though the top-masts bent like willow-wands,
English Harbour was gained at length. Captain Hemming felt the loss of
his midshipmen; but when the matter was explained to him, he acquitted
old Higson of all blame.

"Only I will never, as long as I command a ship, allow my midshipmen to
go away for their amusement by themselves," he observed. "They run
risks enough as it is in the course of duty."

This being reported in the berth made Norris and others very angry, and
they were much inclined to abuse poor Tom and Gerald for getting
drowned, and thus being the cause of the restriction likely to be placed
on their liberty.

The two ships were now ready for sea. Murray went to pay a farewell
visit to the Houghtons. Kind Mrs Houghton--who, for Stella's sake as
well as his own, took a warm interest in him, for she having keener eyes
than the colonel, knew perfectly well that they were engaged--had
letters of introduction ready to her daughter Mrs Raven, to the
Bradshaws, Stella's relatives, and to other friends.

"You'll receive a hearty welcome, and I have just hinted how matters
stand. They agree with us that the colonel has no right to be dragging
his daughter about in the way he does, and will be thankful to see her
placed under the guardianship of one who will take better care of her
than, in my humble opinion, her father does."

Alick was duly grateful, and said all that was proper, though he wished
that his friend had not mentioned the matter she alluded to, as he felt
somewhat nervous at the thought of appearing before strangers in the
character of a melancholy lover.

"However, if there are any young ladies among them, they'll not expect
me to pay them attentions," he thought.

The frigate and corvette were at sea, with the prospect of a quick run
to Port Royal. During his quiet night-watches Alick's thoughts were
ever occupied with Stella. Hitherto the