s left to well load the cutter twice; and, jubilant with
the discovery, the men returned on board, dreaming of prize-money, but
not until a strong guard had been left over the place, in case any of
the wasps should return.

But they did not come back. The nest had been burned out, and the
smuggling in that part of the Freestone Shore had received so heavy a
blow, that only one or two of the men cared to return, and then only for
a temporary stay.

Lieutenant Brough's despatch had of course been sent in, and he obtained
praise and prize-money.

"But no promotion, Mr Raystoke," he cried; "and of course you can have
none until you have passed. They have not even appointed you to another
ship."

"Well, if you are going to stay in the _White Hawk_, sir, I don't know
that I want to change. I'm very comfortable here."

"That's very good of you, Raystoke, very good," said the lieutenant.
"And then it's of no use to complain. I shall never get my promotion.
I'm too little and too fat."

"No, that's not it," said Archy boldly; "they think you do the work so
well that they will not remove you from the station."

"No," said the lieutenant sadly; "it's because I am so stout. I shall
never be lifted now."

Mr Brough was wrong, for two years later he was appointed to a frigate,
and his first efforts were directed to getting Archy Raystoke and Ram
berths in the same ship, where a long and successful career awaited
them.

But with that we have at present nought to do. This is the chronicle of
the expedition of the _White Hawk_ to crush the smuggling on the
Freestone Shore, the most famous place for the doings of those who set
the King's laws at defiance.

It was some ten years later, when one of His Majesty King George's
smartest frigates was homeward bound from the East Indies, where her
captain had distinguished himself by many a gallant act, that, as she
was making for Portsmouth, with the tall white cliffs of the Isle just
in sight, a tall handsome young officer went to the side, where a
sun-browned seaman was standing gazing shoreward, shading his eyes with
his hand.

"Why, Ram," said the officer; "looking out for the scene of some of your
old villainies?"

"No, sir," said the man, touching his cap. "I was wondering whether my
old mother was down on the cliff yonder, looking after the cows."

"The cows!" cried the young lieutenant. "Ah, to be sure. Remember the
cow falling off the cliff, Ram?"

"Ay, sir