idshipman from being then and there run through the body by the
irate Don.

"Then I am to understand that this is the message I am to carry back to
my commander," said Higson, to the fat officer.

"Yes, and I hope your commander is a wise man, and will not venture into
the harbour," was the reply.

"I'll answer that he will though," exclaimed Higson, making a profound
bow; "so good morning, Don Whiskerandos!"

As the commodore, turning his back, strutted aft, fuming as before,
Higson, shaking hands with the first lieutenant, exclaimed--

"I wish that we may have the chance of meeting as friends another time;
for you're a good fellow, that you are."

He and Desmond then beat a retreat to the gangway. The lieutenant was
so pleased with the last remark, that he ordered side-ropes to be
shipped and the side to be manned, and the English officers took their
departure in a rather more dignified manner than they had arrived.

"There seems a good chance of our having a brush with the Dons,"
observed Desmond, as soon as they had shoved off and were pulling for
the shore.

"Perhaps the consul will settle matters, but if not I'm very certain
that Mr Murray will stand no nonsense," answered Higson.

No opposition was made to their landing, and Desmond and Needham easily
found their way to the British consulate. For some reason the consul
had not returned, and their friend, the vice-consul, said that he had
used every effort to obtain the liberation of the prisoners, but in
vain. He was evidently in a great state of alarm, and confessed that he
feared the worst. He had, however, been assured that the young lady and
the two midshipmen should be properly treated, although the authorities
were very angry at hearing of the escape of Desmond and his companion,
and he advised them to get back to the boat as fast as possible, feeling
assured that if recognised they would be recaptured.

"The fellows had better not attempt it with the English flag over their
heads," exclaimed Higson; "however, we will get back and make our report
to our commander. If you can manage the matter, and let them know that
we are in earnest, he may possibly draw in his horns."

The vice-consul shrugged his shoulders, and Higson and his party got
back to the boat and pulled out as fast as the crew could bend to their
oars towards the _Supplejack_. Higson was anxious to be on board, for
he was very sure that no time was to be lost.

Murray, on he