e admiral himself know, he would not
interfere. The only way I can think of, would be to shoot Captain
Staghorn first, and that wouldn't be quite the thing. Even if we could
give him a settler, we must never do evil that good may come of it; I
know that. The fact is, I am at fault, Mr Merry. If either of them
were living on shore, something might be done; but it's no easy matter,
and that you'll allow, to get hold of two captains of men-of-war living
on board their own ships."

I agreed with him with a heavy heart. We twisted and turned the matter
over in every way, but did not succeed in seeing daylight through it.
Perhaps if we had known how and where to seek for assistance, we might
have found it. It was my first watch. After our supper of biscuits and
rum and water, I went on deck, and when my watch was over, turned into
my hammock with cruel apprehensions as to the news I should hear in the
morning.

I was somewhat surprised to find myself sent for, as soon as I was
dressed, into the captain's cabin. I felt anxious, for I thought that
it must be something about my cousin. The captain, however, wanted
simply to tell me to take a note on board the Daring, and to return with
an answer.

It was a lovely morning; the water was as smooth as glass, the sky pure
and bright, and the distant landscape which I have before described
looking romantic and lovely in the extreme. As I shoved off from the
frigate I saw a boat from the Pearl; the captain's gig I guessed, cross
our bows and pull towards the shore of the Palisades some little way up
the harbour. I was soon alongside the Daring, and as I crossed the
quarter-deck with the note in my hand, I saw that Captain Staghorn, who
was in full uniform, was about to go on shore. The officers on duty
were ranged on either side of the gangway in the usual manner. Major
O'Grady, stiff and sour, was by his side. There was a terrible savage
look, I thought, in Captain Staghorn's grey evil eye. I stepped across
the deck to deliver my note. Before I gave it, I heard him say as he
walked along the deck, "I only intend to wing the fellow, major. I
swore long ago I'd punish him, and I will keep my word."

The major made a grim face, and muttered, "The brain is the best
billet." I handed my note.

"Wait, youngster," he said, sharply, "I shall be back presently, I'll
send an answer then;" and crumpling up the note, he put it in his
pocket.

As he was just stepping dow