s the Greeks could not speak a word of English, nor the English a word
of Greek, no explanations could be made. The Greeks shrugged their
shoulders, and having been accustomed to be knocked about a good deal by
the Turks, and to untoward events in general, took things very
philosophically. A breeze sprang up, and with the cutter in tow, the
midshipmen shaped a course, as well as they could calculate, for Corfu.
The Greek crew were far more numerous than the English; so Jack advised
that a guard should be set over them lest they might attempt to retake
the vessel--an occurrence, he had read, which had often happened when
proper precautions were neglected.

"I hope it's all right," observed Jack, "but what we have done seems
somewhat funny."

"Who fears?" answered Paddy. "What else have we to do but to fight our
enemies?"

As Jack had not a ready answer to this question, the subject dropped.
Their attention was soon occupied by seeing a vessel standing up the
channel, so as directly to cross their course.

"She's the _Firefly_," exclaimed Jack; "is she not, Thomson?" he asked
of the boatswain of the boat.

"No doubt about it, sir," was the answer; and in a lower voice, "And
now, my wigs, won't the youngsters catch it!"

When the sloop of war drew near, she fired a gun as a signal to the
Greek vessel to heave-to. As the midshipmen knew what that meant, they
at once obeyed, and in a short time a boat was seen pulling towards
them; a lieutenant and a midshipman were in her. The latter was no
other than Alick Murray. They cordially greeted him; and Terence had
begun to boast of their achievement when the lieutenant, Mr Gale,
exclaimed, "What does all this mean, youngsters? What have you been
about?"

Terence tried to explain, but everything he said only made matters
worse. Happily, Mr Gale was a very kind, judicious man, and soon
comprehended that the midshipmen had acted through ignorance and
thoughtlessness.

"Had you reached Corfu with your so-called prize, you might have been
brought into serious trouble," he remarked. "As no great harm has
hitherto taken place, perhaps we may induce the Greek master and his
crew not to make any complaint. I will see what can be done."

"Oh, yes, sir," exclaimed Alick Murray; "if we can bribe him off I shall
be glad to pay any sum you think necessary. Fortunately, I have the
means at my disposal;" and he put a purse into Mr Gale's hand. "Don't
say a word about it,