o get the breakers filled. Can you show me a
good spring?"

"Ay, an' we can show you a hot one," cried Billy, with a smile. "But
come up to the cave with us and have some grub."

The midshipman expressed his readiness to comply, and ordered one of the
men to stay and watch the boat.

"You needn't leave any one with the boat," said Gaff; "there's nobody
here to touch it."

"Nevertheless I will leave a guard. Now, then show us the way."

It is needless to describe the surprise of the sailors at everything
they saw and heard; and the mixed feelings that agitated the breasts of
Gaff and his son--anxiety to return to England, with regret to quit the
cavern home where they had spent so many quiet and comparatively happy
years.

Suffice it to say that they, and the few things they possessed, were
speedily transferred to the "Blazer," on board of which they received
the most considerate attention and kindness. And you may be sure,
reader, that Billy did not forget to take the pig and the parroquet
along with him.

Fair winds sprang up, and for many weeks the "Blazer" bowled along
steadily on her course. It seemed as if the elements had agreed to be
favourable, and expedite the return of the exiles. But this state of
things did not last.

Towards the end of the voyage fogs and gales prevailed, and the "Blazer"
was driven considerably out of her course to the northward, insomuch
that she finally made the land on the north-western coast of Scotland.
This induced the captain to run through the Pentland Firth, after
passing through which they were beset by calms.

One day a small steamer passed close alongside the "Blazer."

"That's an Aberdeen steamer," said the captain; "would you like to be
put on board, Gaff?"

Gaff said that he would, as it was probable he should reach home sooner
by her than if he were to accompany the "Blazer" to London.

Accordingly the steamer was signalled, and Gaff and Billy were put on
board.

Scarcely had this been done when a stiff easterly gale set in, and
before morning a heavy sea was running, before which the steamer rolled
heavily.

It seemed as if Gaff and his son were doomed to be drowned, for disaster
by sea followed them wherever they went. At last, however, the morning
broke bright and clear, and the wind abated, though the sea was still
running very high.

That forenoon the steamer sighted the coast of Aberdeenshire and the
tall column of the Girdle-ness lighthous