ad been
visible some five minutes about three miles to the southward, paddling
away most furiously, so Bob said, in the vain hope of overtaking the
swift boat.

It was not a very long journey from this point back to the cove in which
the _Water Lily_ was lying, and in about three-quarters of an hour we
were alongside.

To transfer me on board and below was a most painful operation, and I
again swooned away; soon recovering, however, under Ella's gentle
ministrations. To my surprise I found she had caused me to be placed in
her own cot forward, a proceeding against which I at once protested as
strenuously as my feeble powers would allow.

"Not another word, Harry," she interrupted.

I had heard Bob's heavy tread bustling about on the deck above for a
short time, but I now missed it, and endeavoured to inquire where he was
gone; this, however, my nurse would not permit, assuring me that I
should learn all that it was necessary to know in due time, and when I
was stronger and better able to listen.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

IMPORTANT NEWS.

The next day I was in a raging delirium, and for nearly a week did I
remain utterly unconscious of all that surrounded me, entirely
engrossing the attention of my companions, and taxing their energies and
ingenuity to the utmost to prevent my leaping out of the cot or doing
myself some injury, in the unnatural strength and violence of the fever
which burned within me.

At length their unremitting care and watchfulness were rewarded by
seeing me fall into a deep sleep, in which I remained all night and
until the next morning was far advanced; and when I awoke, reason had
resumed her sway. I knew them both, and could answer their affectionate
inquiries by a faint pressure of the hand or a feeble whisper, but
beyond this I had no power to go.

Ella, poor child! looked terribly pale and careworn, as well she might,
for I afterwards learned that during the whole of that fearful time she
had never once lain down to rest; such sleep as she had been able to
obtain being snatched at uncertain intervals in a chair by the side of
my cot. Bob had, of course, insisted sturdily and stubbornly on
performing his full share of the watching; but, even so, poor Ella's
strength must have been terribly taxed.

For nine days did I thus lie hovering between life and death; at length,
however, the assiduous care and ceaseless attention which were bestowed
upon me had their effect, and I began t