n bar and some broken heads will sicken them, and then perhaps
they will let you alone."

"I hope so, sir."

"I think I can contrive that it shall," said the visitor dryly. "I
shall bring or send some trusty men. There, I have seen all I want to
see. Let's get back."

He turned to climb up the side of the gorge; and as Nic followed, the
place made him recall his encounter with Pete Burge, and how different
the pool looked then; and, somehow, he could not help hoping that the
big, bluff fellow might not be present during the sharp encounter with
Captain Lawrence's trusty men.

"Hah! Began to think you long, Jack," said Captain Revel; and they
returned to the house and entered, after a glance seaward, where the
ship lay at anchor.

Towards evening Solly was sent to hoist a signal upon the flagstaff, and
soon after a boat was seen pulling towards the shore. Then the visitor
took his leave, renewing his promise to reply to a signal by sending a
strong party of men.

Nic walked down to the boat with his father's friend, and answered
several questions about the type of men who came after the salmon.

"I see, I see," said Captain Lawrence; "but do you think they'll fight
well?"

"Oh yes; there are some daring rascals among them."

"So much the better, my dear boy. There, good-bye. Mind--two small
flags on your signal-halyards after the first heavy rain upon the moor,
and you may expect us at dusk. If the rascals don't come we'll have
another try; but you'll know whether they'll be there by the fish in the
pool. They'll know too--trust 'em. Look, there's your father watching
us--" and he waved his hand. "Good-bye, Nic, my dear boy. Good-bye!"

He shook hands very warmly. Two of his men who were ashore joined hands
to make what children call a "dandy-chair," the Captain placed his hands
upon their shoulders, and they waded through the shallow water to the
boat, pausing to give her a shove off before climbing in; and then, as
the oars made the water flash in the evening light, Nic climbed the long
hill again, to stand with his father, watching the boat till she reached
the side of the ship.

"Now then, my boy," said the old man, "we're going to give those fellows
such a lesson as they have never had before."

He little knew how truly he was speaking.

"I hope so, father," said Nic; and he was delighted to find how pleased
the old officer seemed.

The next morning, when Nic opened his bedroom window,