ndys, who had been heartily
welcomed by all hands, among whom he was a universal favourite. He
might before have had his suspicions as to the interest which Lieutenant
Foley entertained for Miss Ferris. When he saw them together, he had no
doubt about the matter, and the slight hopes he had cherished vanished
for ever.

Mr Twigg in the meantime had dispatched people to the yam ground, and
to every part of the neighbourhood where provisions could be found,
though the blacks had consumed most of the roots and fruits as well as
the animals they could lay hands on near the house. Water had also been
brought up from the well to supply the thirsty inmates, while the
sergeant of marines had drawn up his men, as he said, to observe the
enemy, lest they should venture on another attack. That, however, did
not appear probable, as numbers were seen flying at full speed towards
the mountains to escape the vengeance of their masters, which they knew
full well was likely to overtake them.

Jack Pemberton and the party from Walton now appeared.

"We hurried off as soon as Quashie arrived," said Jack, "but he with a
misadventure, and was captured by some rebels who, though they could
make nothing of him, detained him, and he had no little difficulty in
making his escape. On our way we were overtaken by a messenger from
Major Malcolm, who is advancing with a strong force, and depend upon it
he will give the rebels a fearful drubbing if he overtakes them."

"We are much obliged to you, Jack, for your good intentions, but had not
the party from the ship arrived in the nick of time, you would in all
probability have found the house a heap of ruins, and we all burned to
cinders in the middle of it," answered Mr Twigg.

No one welcomed Archie Sandys more cordially than did Lieutenant Belt,
who had greatly admired the coolness and courage he had displayed. He
had now also a fellow feeling for him, as he quickly perceived that the
sailor officer had forestalled him in the affections of Miss Ferris.

The family at Bellevue, notwithstanding the fearful danger they had gone
through, soon recovered their spirits. Such provisions as could be
hastily collected were cooked, and, as there was a good store of wine
and other articles of luxury, an ample repast was soon prepared for
their guests.

While they were seated round the table, it was announced that a body of
soldiers were seen coming from the west, with several persons on
horseba