s to attack peaceful settlers. Forward, my lads!"

"Here stop!" roared Mike with a savage grin.

"What for?" said the officer sternly.

"Arn't you going to take them, too?"

"Take whom--the Maoris? No; but for you they would have let these
people be in peace. Forward!"

"No, no; I mean them two," said Mike savagely, as he pointed--"them two:
Don Lavington and Jem Wimble."

"Halt!" cried the officer. "Do you know these men?" he said
suspiciously.

"There, I told you so, Mas' Don," whispered Jem. "I know that man,"
said Don firmly. "I only know the others by their making us prisoners
out in the bush."

"Where did you know him?" said the officer--"Norfolk Island?"

"No, sir; at Bristol. He worked as labourer in my uncle's yard."

"That's right enough," said Mike; "and him and Jem Wimble was pressed,
and went to sea."

"Ay, ay!" said the officer quickly.

"And they deserted, and took to the bush."

"Hah!" ejaculated the officer. "From the sloop of war. The captain
asked us to keep an eye open for two lads who had deserted."

"Hor--hor--hor!" laughed Mike maliciously; "and now you've got 'em; Mr
Gentleman Don and Master Jemmy Wimble."

"If your hands warn't tied," cried Jem fiercely, "I'd punch your ugly
head!"

"Is this true, young man?" said the officer sternly. "Did you desert
from His Majesty's sloop?"

Don was silent for a moment, and then stepped forward boldly.

"Yes!" he said.

"Ah, Mas' Don, you've done it now," whispered Jem.

"I was cruelly seized, beaten, and dragged away from my home, and Jem
here from his young wife. On board ship we were ill-used and
persecuted; and I'm not ashamed to own it, I did leave the ship."

"Yes, and so did I!" said Jem stoutly.

"Humph! Then I'm afraid you will have to go with me as prisoners!" said
the officer.

"Hor--hor--hor! Here's a game! Prisoners! Cat-o'-nine tails, or
hanging."

"Silence, you scoundrel!" roared the officer. "Forward with these
prisoners."

Mike and his companions were marched on out of hearing, and then, after
a turn or two, the officer spoke.

"It is true then, my lads, you deserted your ship?"

"I was forced to serve, sir, and I left the ship," said Don firmly.

"Well, sir, I have but one course to pursue."

"Surely you will not take them as prisoners, sir?" cried Gordon
warmly--"as brave, true fellows as ever stepped."

"I can believe that," said the officer; "but discipline must be
maintained. Look