your irrelevant remarks; they are ill-timed," said
Montague, impatiently. "Let us hear the remainder of your suggestions.
I shall judge of their value and act accordingly. You have not yet told
us what part you yourself intend to play in this game."

"I mean to accompany Captain Montague, if he will permit me."

"How! go with me in the _Talisman_," said Montague, surprised at the
man's coolness, and puzzled by his impudence.

"Even so," said Gascoyne.

"Well, I have no objection, of course; but it seems to me that you would
be more useful at the head of a party of your own men."

"Perhaps I might," replied Gascoyne; "but the coral reefs are dangerous
on the north side of the island, and it is important that one well
acquainted with them should guide your vessel. Besides, I have a trusty
mate, and if you will permit me to send my old shipmate, John Bumpus,
across the hills, he will convey all needful instructions to the
_Foam_."

This was said in so quiet and straightforward a tone that Montague's
wrath vanished. He felt ashamed of having shewn so much petulance at a
time when affairs of so great importance ought to have been calmly
discussed, so he at once agreed to allow Bumpus to go. Meanwhile Henry
Stuart, who had been fretting with impatience at this conversation,
suddenly exclaimed--

"It seems to me, sirs, that you are wasting precious time just now. I,
at least, am quite satisfied with the duty assigned to me, so I'm off--
ho! who will join me?"

"I'm your man," cried Corrie, starting up and flourishing the broken
sabre above his head. At the same moment about a hundred natives ranged
themselves round the youth, thus indicating that they, too, were his
men.

"Well, lad, away you go," said Gascoyne, smiling, "but Master Corrie
must remain with me."

"I'll do nothing of the sort," said Corrie, stoutly.

"Oh! yes, you will, my boy. I want you to guide my man Bumpus over the
mountains. You know the passes, and he don't. It's all for the good of
the cause, you know,--the saving of little Alice."

Corrie wavered. The idea of being appointed, as it were, to a separate
command, and of going with his new friend, was a strong temptation, and
the assurance that he would in some way or other be advancing the
business in hand settled the matter. He consented to become obedient.

In about half an hour all Gascoyne's plans were in course of being
carried out. Ole Thorwald and his party proceeded on