erminedly, "this is the only day we could go; for, when
the boat next leaves for Southampton, we'll most probably be back in
town."

So saying, he pushed them all through the turnstile before him, and
taking their tickets, including one for Bob, in case he still contrived
to turn up in time, led the way to the steamer, which was blowing off
her steam alongside the pier, as if in the greatest haste to start.

They were none too soon; for, hardly had they got on board, ere the
engine-gong sounded and the steamer's paddles began to move, the vessel
gliding out into the stream as her hawsers were cast-off.

All looked out eagerly, Nellie especially, almost in tears, hoping to
the last that Bob would come scurrying up; but, much to the general
disappointment, no Bob came, nor did they even have the poor
satisfaction of seeing him appear in the distance after the steamer had
left the pier.

"Poor Bob!" bewailed Nell, for whom all the fun of the expedition had
departed with his absence. "I knew he would be too late."

"Never mind, missy," said the Captain to cheer her up, although he, too,
felt sorry at the party being thus lessened in numbers; "you'll see him
when we return this evening, and will then be able to tell him of all
the fine sights he lost by not going with us."

But Nell would not be consoled; for, in addition to Bob's not being with
them, Rover was likewise an absentee, while the Captain had left Dick
behind to give the cutter a good clean out, as well as perform other
duties. He thought that, perhaps, Mrs Strong might not like the boy
being brought with them and treated on an equality with her own
children; being taken, apparently, everywhere they went, as he had been
before. It need hardly be said, though, that such an idea never
occurred to Bob's mother, who knew well how Dick had risked his life to
save her son's; the thought, really, was entirely due to the old
sailor's ultra conscientiousness!

Under these circumstances, therefore, Nellie did not by any means enjoy
the trip; nor did the elders of the party, either, seem happy, all
appearing to be equally well-pleased after they had seen Southampton,
where there was not very much to see after all, and the boat started
back for home.

Soon after the steamer passed Calshott Castle and got into the waters of
the Solent, late in the afternoon, the comfort of those on board was not
increased by their getting into a thick white woolly sea-fog, which h