hree went
forward also, but we left our portmanteaux to take care of themselves.

Soon two young fellows dashed down the sands, halloing in answer to the
syren, and stood with wondering eyes beneath the bows.

"Who are you?" shouted one of them.

"Scilly people," piped a shrill female voice from our midst.

"That we are--very," said John drily; at which, notwithstanding our
plight, there was a general laugh.

The two were speedily increased to half a dozen, and these were joined
by quite a group of farm-servants and villagers, attracted by the
unwonted sound of a syren floating across their fields. Some of the
latter, scenting substantial gain, ran off to harness their horses to
such conveyances as they could command in readiness for the drive to
Penzance, while the rest remained, having also a view to the needful, to
act as porters and guides.

One of the men, by the captain's orders, came forward with a
rope-ladder, fastened one end securely within the bulwarks, and threw
the other over the side. It hung about four feet from the ground.
Immediately the passengers swarmed about the head of the ladder, and,
although there was no real danger, pushed and jostled each other in the
attempt to secure an early descent. A few thoughtless young fellows were
claiming the first chance when the Honourable John interfered.

"Here," said he, "ladies first, and one at a time," and he shouldered
the too eager males aside. He took off his hat, turned to the crowd
below, and, picking out a telegraph clerk, said, "Catch my tile, will
you? And, mind, don't sit on it! It may collapse. Thank you!" as the man
caught it cleverly, and smiled at the instructions. Then he slipped out
of his frock-coat, and flung it aside; undid his cuff-links, and rolled
up his sleeves; bowed to the nearest woman of the party, who happened to
be a stout Scillonian in a peasant's dress, and said, "Ready! Allow me,
madam." As he helped her to the top of the bulwarks, and down the rungs,
he sang out, "Below there! Steady this lady down, and help her to the
ground."

Syd and I handed up the other ladies, and the Honourable John, balanced
upon the bulwarks, gallantly helped them down the ladder as far as his
arms would reach, where they were taken in charge by the telegraph
clerks, and landed upon the wet sand. The captain watched the
proceedings from the bridge with an amused expression. Before long all
the ladies were disposed of, and we left the men to sc