re anxious to pay their respects to Miss O'Regan,
presently followed. They said all that was proper to her regarding her
father's death, and expressed their hopes that Murray would soon return
to Jamaica and receive his well-earned honours.

"He is sure to be promoted," said Jack. "When he is, I have great hopes
that the admiral will appoint him to the command of the corvette, should
Captain Babbicome resign her, as I think he is very likely to do, for he
evidently wishes himself looking after his cows and pigs at home."

Miss O'Regan and her attendant, with Higson and the three midshipmen,
proceeded up at once to Kingston. Fortunately, on landing, they met the
admiral, who was delighted to hear of Murray's success. "I knew the lad
would do something if he had the opportunity," he exclaimed, rubbing his
hands, "and very well he has done it, that all must allow. He will
obtain his promotion, and you, Mr Higson, may depend on receiving
yours."

On being introduced to Miss O'Regan the old admiral exclaimed, "You must
come up to the Pen, my dear young lady, and remain there till you can
communicate with your friends. Mrs and Miss McAlpine will be delighted
to see you on your own account, and also that of my kinsman Lieutenant
Murray. He is an officer in whose welfare I am much interested, and I
can assure you that he has not disappointed my expectations." Then
turning to the midshipmen, he added, "And you youngsters must come up
too; the ladies will want you to spin them a yarn about your adventures,
and I'll take care that the frigate does not sail without you."

Though Stella would have gladly set off at once for her relations the
Bradshaws, she could not refuse the admiral's kind invitation. He drove
her up to the Pen, where Higson and the midshipmen followed.

Stella was kindly received, and as little as possible was said to recall
the painful scenes she had gone through. The admiral, with Murray's
despatches before him, questioned Higson as to further particulars, and
then made the midshipmen recount their adventures to his wife and
daughters, being especially amused at the way Desmond roused up the
vice-consul and his household.

Tom ever afterwards declared that he was the most jolly old officer he
had ever met with--excepting, of course, Admiral Triton.

"I see, Mr Higson, that Lieutenant Murray speaks in the highest terms
of your bravery and courage in this affair," said the admiral. "I have
great