some day to return to England--"

Poor Will stopped in sudden confusion and blushed, but as it was very
dark that did not matter much.

"What _does_ the man mean?" exclaimed Captain Dall. "How _can_ she
remain here always when she's to be off at daybreak--?"

"True, true," interrupted Will hurriedly, not sorry to find that his
reference to Flora was supposed to be to the ship. "The fact is, I was
thinking of other matters--of _course_ I agree with you. It's too good
an opportunity to be missed, so, good-night, for I've enough to do to
get ready for such an abrupt departure."

Saying this, he started up and strode rapidly away.

"Halloo!" shouted Larry after him; "don't be late--be on the baich at
daybreak. Arrah he's gone mad intirely."

"Ravin'," said Muggins, with a shake of his head as he turned the quid
in his cheek.

Meanwhile Wandering Will rushed he knew not whither, but a natural
impulse led him, in the most natural way, to the quiet bay, which he
knew to be Flora's favourite walk on moonlight nights! The poor youth's
brain was whirling with conflicting emotions. As he reached the bay,
the moon, strange to say, broke forth in great splendour, and revealed--
what!--could it be?--yes, the graceful figure of Flora! "Never
venture," thought Will, "never--"

In another moment he was by her side; he seized her hand; she started,
suppressed a scream, and tried to free her hand, but Will held it fast.
"Forgive me, Flora, dearest girl," he said in impassioned tones, "I
would not dare to act thus, but at daybreak I leave this island, perhaps
for ever! yet I _cannot_ go without telling you that I love you to
distraction, that--that--oh! say tell me--"

At that moment he observed that Flora blushed, smiled in a peculiar
manner, and, instead of looking in his face, glanced over his shoulder,
as if at some object behind him. Turning quickly round, he beheld
Thackombau, still decked out in his Sunday clothes, gazing at them in
open-mouthed amazement.

Almost mad with rage, Will Osten rushed at him. The astonished savage
fled to the woods, Will followed, and in a few minutes lost himself!
How he passed that night he never could tell; all that he could be sure
of was that he had wandered about in distraction, and emerged upon the
shore about daybreak. His appointment suddenly recurring to him, he ran
swiftly in the direction of the village. As he drew near he observed a
boat pushing off from the shore.