ad, under pressure of the Spaniards, broken off their
alliance with us and joined them and, in consequence, not only did
supplies cease to arrive, but English vessels entering the Straits
were no longer able to anchor, as they had before done, under the
guns of the Moorish batteries for protection from the Spanish
cruisers.

Several times there were discussions between Bob, his sister, and
Captain O'Halloran as to whether it would not be better for him to
take the first opportunity that offered of returning to England.
Their argument was that he was wasting his time, but to this he
would not at all agree.

"I am no more wasting it, here, than if I were in Philpot Lane," he
said. "It will be plenty of time for me to begin to learn the
routine of the business, when I am two or three and twenty. Uncle
calculated I should be four years abroad, learning the languages
and studying wines. Well, I can study wines at any time; besides,
after all, it is the agents out here that choose them. I can speak
Spanish, now, like a native, and there is nothing further to be
done in that way; I have given up lessons now with the doctor, but
I get plenty of books from the garrison library, and keep up my
reading. As for society, we have twenty times as much here, with
the officers and their families, as I should have in London; and I
really don't see there would be any advantage, whatever, in my
going back.

"Something must be done here, some day. And after all, the siege
does not make much difference, in any way, except that we don't get
fresh meat for dinner. Everything goes on just the same only, I
suppose, in peace time we should make excursions, sometimes, into
Spain. The only difference I can make out is that I am able to be
more useful to you, now, with the garden and poultry, than I could
have been if there had been no siege."

There was indeed no lack of society. The O'Hallorans' was perhaps
the most popular house on the Rock. They were making quite a large
income from their poultry, and spent it freely. Presents of eggs,
chicken, and vegetables were constantly being sent to all their
friends, where there was any sickness in the family; and as, even
at the high prices prevailing, they were able to purchase supplies
of wine, and such other luxuries as were obtainable, they kept
almost open house and, twice a week, had regular gatherings with
music; and the suppers were vastly more appreciated, by their
guests, than is usually