kipper's so short-handed that he can't attack."

"Yes, we are an unlucky craft and no mistake, and I 'most wish sometimes
I'd never sailed in her. Look here, for instance, here's a chance for
us."

"Hist! Listen!" whispered Archy.

"What is it?"

"A hail right in the distance."

"No such luck, my lad. I don't know how I'm going to face Mr Brough.
Hark!"

"Yes; there it is again, away to the left. Yes; there it goes. Ahoy!"

They stopped and listened after the midshipman had hailed as loudly as
he could; and, to the intense delight of both, the hail was responded
to.

Hurriedly changing their direction, they went on as rapidly as the rough
ground would allow, getting an answering hail every time they shouted,
and each time louder, as if those who called were also coming toward
them.

Ten minutes later they heard voices, by degrees these became a murmur,
and they knew that there must be several of the men together.

In another ten minutes they came upon a group steadily approaching.

Mutual inquiries took place.

No, the men had not captured the fugitive, but they were sure it was a
boy; Dirty Dick was ready to take an oath to that effect, but he was not
asked.

Then came the important question--Where were they?

The boatswain gave it as his opinion that they had been going westward,
but he could give no reason why; and it was decided to continue in that
direction, after Gurr had satisfied himself that the men were all
present, though they learned that there had been a good deal of hailing
before all were collected.

They trudged on almost in silence, for the whole party were wearied out,
till an announcement galvanised them all, for suddenly Dick put an end
to the question of their journeying west by suddenly shouting,--

"South ho!"

"Eh? What do you mean?" cried the master.

"I know yon hill," said Dick, pointing to an eminence dimly seen away
before him. "That's just close to the cove, and if we keep straight on,
we shall be in the road in less than half an hour, and at the boats ten
minutes later."

"No, no, my lad," said the master; "I don't think that's right.--Yes, it
is, my lad; I'm 'most sure of it now."

Right it was, as was proved a quarter of an hour later, by their
striking the rough road at right angles, and there a halt was called.

"Don't seem any good to go searching along again in the dark, Mr
Raystoke," said the master; and the boatswain shook his head decisively.