ily; "for goodness' sake be off with them,
Roberts, or I shall impound the lot and hand them over to the cook. You
ought not to put such temptations in a weak man's way."

"All right, sir," said Bob, and he hurried over the side and made for
the barracks, where, to his great delight, he met Rachel Linton, looking
very pale and ill, coming away from the temporary hospital with her
cousin.

"I've brought you some fish, Miss Linton," he said. "I thought they
would be welcome just now, as there are no fresh provisions."

"Doubly welcome, Mr Roberts," cried Miss Linton, with her face lighting
up. "Oh! Mary, I am glad. Mr Roberts, I can never thank you enough."

Bob felt rather disgusted that the idol he had worshipped should be so
fond of the good things of this life.

"I have been longing for fresh fish, and fruit, and flowers, so, Mr
Roberts," she continued. "You cannot get me any fruit or flowers, I
suppose?"

"I could go and try for some," said Bob, rather glumly, "but you mustn't
be surprised if I don't come back."

"Oh, no, no; you must not run any risks," cried Rachel Linton. "That
would be madness, but I'd give anything for some fruit now."

"She'd better think about her father," thought Bob, "instead of eating
and drinking."

"Those poor wounded fellows do suffer so for want of change; but this
fish will be delicious. Poor Parker will eat some, I know. If you can
get any fruit for my hospital people, pray do so, Mr Roberts."

"That I will, Miss Linton," he cried joyously.

"And you'll catch me some more fish for the poor fellows?"

"Are you going to give all these to the wounded men, Miss Linton?" he
said.

"Yes; of course," she replied.

"Why she's an angel," thought Bob to himself, "and I was giving her the
credit of being a regular pig."

"Messenger? For me?" exclaimed Captain Smithers, rising up as a soldier
advanced.

"Yes sir; it's a Malay, and he says he has been sent by the young chief,
Ali."

CHAPTER FIFTY ONE.

DEALINGS WITH THE DEEP.

There was no little excitement at this announcement, and Captain
Smithers sent at once for Lieutenant Johnson from the steamer, while a
file of soldiers went for the messenger who had asked for admission.

The ladies were too much interested to think of leaving, so Mary
Sinclair ran to fetch Mrs Major Sandars, and returned with her to see
that a rough-looking Malay had been brought up to the group she had
left.

Captain Smithers wai