, as may be supposed, at a safe distance in case of a
sudden outbreak. By this time the smoke and flames had disappeared, and
the boats pulled in, piloted by Adair and his officers.

The blue-jackets were highly delighted at recovering their bags, and the
marines their kits, which had of necessity been left behind. The boats
which Saint Maur and Rip had found when they landed were hauled high up
on the beach and covered over with canvas to protect them from the
weather. The more valuable stores were carried off, though provisions
and other articles were left which might afford assistance to the
sufferers of any ship which might be wrecked on the island.

The _Bellona_ steered directly for the Cape, in a short time, as the
wind became fair, making all sail. That night the watch on deck
declared that they saw a bright glare in the sky above the rock and that
a low rumbling noise was heard coming from the same direction. Whether
or not Virginia Island had blown up remained a matter of doubt, and
Captain Rogers did not think that with two ships' companies on board it
was his duty to return and ascertain the fact.

Crowded as they were, both officers and men were as happy as could be
under such circumstances, and wonderful were the yarns which the crew of
the _Empress_ had to spin, none of the facts which had occurred losing
in the narration, besides which there were many more to describe which
are not chronicled in this history.

The _Bellona_, immediately on her arrival in Simon's Bay, was ordered
home, where Captain Adair and his officers would have, of course, to
undergo the usual court-martial for the loss of the _Empress_. Scarcely
had she dropped her anchor, when, in one of the first boats which came
off, was seen a stout military man, accompanied by two ladies. Shortly
after, Major Bubsby and the two Misses Bubsby ascended the side. Jack,
who was never wanting in politeness, whatever were his feelings, stood
ready to receive them.

"My dear Captain Rogers," exclaimed the major, grasping him by the hand,
"I was at the telegraph station when you made your number, and I
immediately hurried down to welcome you, picking up Eugenia and Angelica
on the way. Will you do me a favour?"

"What is it?" inquired Jack.

"Yes, it is a favour; I will acknowledge it as a favour if you grant it.
Will you convey Mrs Bubsby and myself with our two dear daughters to
England? You must know that I was compelled to resign m