An essence that breathes of it many a year;
Thus bright to my soul--as 'twas then to my eyes--
Is that bower on the banks of the calm Bendemeer."

And then (as somebody said) the noise we made was enough to scare the
sea-gulls off the tops of the waves.

"You scored that time, Mr. O'Moore," said the boatswain. "You'd make
your fortune in a music-hall, sir."

"Thank ye, bo'sun. Glad I didn't give ye your revenge, anyhow."

But the boatswain meant to strike nearer home. A ship's favourite might
have hesitated to sing after Dennis, so Alister's feelings may be
guessed on hearing the following speech:

"Mr. O'Moore, and comrades all. I believe I speak for all hands on this
vessel, when I say that we ain't likely to forget sech an agreeable
addition to a ship's company as the gentleman who has just given us a
taste of the nightingale's quality" (loud cheers). "But we've been
out-o'-way favoured as I may say, this voyage. We mustn't forget that
there's two other little strangers aboard" (roars of laughter). "They
'olds their 'eads rather 'igh p'raps, for _stowaways_" ("Hear! hear!"),
"but no doubt their talents bears 'em out" ("Hear, hear!" from Dennis,
which found a few friendly echoes). "Anyway, as they've paid us a visit,
without waiting to ask if we was at 'ome to callers, we may look to 'em
to contribute to the general entertainment. Alister Auchterlay will now
favour the company with a song."

The boatswain stood back and folded his arms, and fixed his eyes on the
sea-line, from which attitude no appeals could move him. I was very
sorry for Alister, and so was Dennis, I am sure, for he did his best to
encourage him.

"Sing 'GOD save the Queen,' and I'll keep well after ye with the
fiddle," he suggested. But Alister shook his head. "I know one or two
Scotch tunes," Dennis added, and he began to sketch out an air or two
with his fingers on the strings.

Presently Alister stopped him. "Yon's the 'Land o' the Leal'?"

"It is," said Dennis.

"Play it a bit quicker, man, and I'll try 'Scots wha hae.'"

Dennis quickened at once, and Alister stood forward. He neither fidgeted
nor complained of feeling shy, but as my eyes (I was squatted
cross-legged on the deck) were at the level of his knees, I could see
them shaking, and pitied him none the less, that I was doubtful as to
what might not be before _me_. Dennis had to make two or three false
starts before poor Alister could get a note ou