ck; and in a short time Major Malcolm and two other officers
galloped up to the door. The expression of his countenance when Mr
Twigg went out to meet him, and as he surveyed the havoc which had been
made around the house, and saw the fearful danger to which the inmates
had been exposed, showed how much he felt. He condemned himself for
having quitted Bellevue, although he had gone at Miss Pemberton's
express wish; but when he entered the room and saw her eyes turned
towards him, and the slight tinge which rose to her generally pale
cheeks, he knew that she, at all events, did not blame him. His stay
could be but very brief, for as soon as the forces who were coming up
arrived, he must push forward in pursuit of the rebel blacks.

"It is painful work, without honour or glory, and yet duty demands that
it must be done," he observed to Miss Pemberton. "I would that others
had to do it."

Mr Twigg did not fail to expatiate largely on the gallant conduct of
Lieutenant Belt, and the important service he had rendered them. "It
was indeed a happy day for us when you came here, for, had it not been
for him, I believe that none of us would now be remaining alive; and I
therefore propose the health of the hero of Bellevue, for such he
deserves to be called."

Every one corroborated Mr Twigg's account, and the gallant lieutenant
made a very neat and appropriate speech.

"As he is unfit to march, if you desire it, Mr Twigg, I will leave him
here in command of a detachment sufficient to protect the house," said
Major Malcolm, "as probably the marines and sailors may be required on
board their ship, to render aid in other directions."

Norman Foley was not especially obliged to the major for this offer, as
he had thought it possible that he might again have been sent on shore
in command of a party to protect the house. He had now, however, no
excuse for remaining; he was therefore compelled, very unwillingly, to
order his men to prepare for embarking.

"You will write to Norah, Miss Ferris," said Gerald, as he was wishing
good-bye. "Tell her all about me, and say that I hope to see Owen
Massey when he comes back again in the _Ouzel Galley_; and also tell her
that we had a brush with, we believe, that same rascally buccaneer which
attacked the old ship on her voyage out, when you were on board. The
fellow escaped us, but we shall keep a sharp look-out for him and take
him one of these days. I suppose that we shall remai