be destroyed."

"Ah, well, we shall see, and--Who are these?"

"Sir Risdon and Lady Graeme and their daughter," whispered Archy, who
coloured as he saw Celia looking at him defiantly.

They were outside the house, and Lieutenant Brough halted his men,
marched forward with the midshipman, and raised his hat, his salute
being formally returned.

"I regret to have to come in this unceremonious way, sir," said the
lieutenant.

"Excuse me," interrupted the baronet. "I expected you, sir, and, while
congratulating you and your men upon their success, I wish to humbly own
that my place has unwillingly on my part, been made one of the stores
for their nefarious transactions."

The lieutenant moved away with Sir Risdon, leaving Archy alone with
Celia and her mother.

"Oh," cried the girl, taking a step nearer to the midshipman, "how I
hate you!"

"Miss Graeme!"

"I thought you a nice frank boy, and that you would be our friend."

"Celia, my child," whispered Lady Graeme reproachfully.

"I can't help it, mamma. I wanted to help him, but he would keep saying
that he must tell of papa because it was his duty."

"Yes," said Archy bluntly; "and so it was."

"Yes," said Lady Graeme, "it was."

"Oh, mamma dear, pray don't say that. And now he has come with his
hateful men to take papa to prison, and--"

"Oh, yes, yes, yes, Sir Risdon, of course, I must write my despatch.
But you have given me your word of honour as a gentleman that you never
engaged in these contraband practices."

These words reached the little group, and also Sir Risdon's reply:

"I swear it, sir; and it was only--"

"Yes, yes. Never mind that. Word of honour's enough between gentlemen.
Oh, no, I shall not search, sir. I am satisfied."

"Oh!" ejaculated Celia.

"Hah!" ejaculated Archy in a sigh of relief.

"Now, Mr Raystoke, midshipman," said the lieutenant merrily. "My chief
officer, ladies! Come, we have a great deal to do. Good morning. If
you will pay us a visit on the cutter, we shall be only too proud to see
you."

A friendly salute was interchanged, and Archy emphasised his by holding
out his hand to Celia.

"Good-bye," he said. "Don't hate me, please. I only did my duty."

"I don't hate you," she replied, giving him her hand. Only a boy and
girl; but Archy looked back several times, as they marched downward to
the cliff, and then up its steep, grassy slope, to see at a turn a white
handkerchief being waved to him.