our--thought it was
time to make a move.

"Hellyer, you and your shipmate had better call round at my house in the
morning," he said to his old coxswain, the elder of the two
coastguardsmen. "You know my house, eh, the same old place?"

"Aye, aye, sir," replied the man, saluting as before. "We knows it well
enough!"

"Then, good-night to you, and thank you both for your timely
assistance," said the Captain, turning away with a touch to the brim of
his hat in acknowledgment of their salute. "Come on, boys, you'll have
to hurry home fast to prevent catching cold after your swim."

So saying and offering his arm to Mrs Gilmour, who was feeling faint
after all the anxiety she had gone through, the brisk old gentleman led
the way round the castle.

He insisted that Bob and Dick should run races across the common on
their way towards the south parade, in which gymnastic display Miss
Nellie and Rover both joined, for company sake as well as to set a good
example; the big black retriever going over more ground than either of
the competitors ere they reached `The Moorings,' as Mrs Gilmour's house
was christened.

"Won't you come in?" said Mrs Gilmour on their getting to the door,
when the Captain raised his hat in token of adieu. "Do come in and have
a rest, me dear Captain?"

"No, thanks, not up to cribbage to-night," he replied, shaking his head
and chuckling. "Feel my old bones too sore from sliding down that
confounded rampart. I mustn't keep you chattering here, however, for
you've got to see about those youngsters. You are sure you don't mind
the trouble of putting up my foundling Dick for the night, eh?"

"I should think not, especially after his jumping into the sea so nobly
after Bob; and the poor boy, sure, not able to swim either!" said she
warmly. "Dick shall not only stop in my house to-night, but as long as
you please to let him, I tell you; and sure it's always grateful I'll be
to him."

"Well, then," cried the Captain, "there's no use my stopping yarning
here like an old woman now that point is settled. You'd better go and
see after the boys at once."

"Oh, I'll say after them," she answered, laughing at his impatience, as
he almost pushed her within the doorway and rushed down the steps
towards the gate--"I'll say after them, never fear!"

"Mind you put them between the blankets, and give them each something
hot to drink when they turn in," he shouted back over the railings.
"I'll come ro