and few, indeed, of those who sailed from
England as soldiers in the Company's service ever returned. The
Company, then, were driven to all sorts of straits to keep up even the
small force which they then maintained in India, and their recruiting
agents were, by no means, particular as to the means they employed to
make up the tale of recruits.

The vessels did not again communicate until they came to anchor in
Madras roads, as the wind was fair and Captain Thompson anxious to
arrive at his destination. During these few days, Tim Kelly had
followed Charlie about like a shadow. Having no duties to perform on
board, he asked leave to act as Charlie's servant; and Charlie was
touched by the efforts which the grateful fellow made to be of service
to him.

Upon their arrival they saw, to their satisfaction, that the British
flag was waving over the low line of earthworks, which constitute the
British fort. Not far from this, near the water's edge, stood the
white houses and stores of the Company's factors; and behind these,
again, were the low hovels of the black town. The prospect was not an
inviting one, and Charlie wondered how on earth a landing was to be
effected, through the tremendous surf which broke upon the shore.

He soon found that, until the wind went down and the surf moderated
somewhat, no communication could be effected. The next morning,
however, the wind lulled, and a crowd of curious native boats were
seen putting off from the shore.

Charlie had, after the vessel anchored, rejoined his ship with Tim
Kelly, and he now bade goodbye to all on board; for only the doctor,
two civilians, and the troops were destined for Madras; all the rest
going on in the ship to Calcutta, after she had discharged that
portion of her cargo intended for Madras. Charlie had, during the last
twelve hours, been made a great deal of, on account of the gallantry
he had displayed in risking his life for that of the soldier. Peters
and one of the other young writers were also to land; and, taking his
seat with these in a native boat, paddled by twelve canoe men, he
started for the shore.

As they approached the line of surf, Charlie fairly held his breath;
for it seemed impossible that the boat could live through it. The
boatmen, however, ceased rowing outside the line of broken water, and
lay on their paddles for three or four minutes.

At last a wave, larger than any of its predecessors, was seen
approaching. As it passed u