he young
navigators to sail the Maud over the Indian Ocean, and his conscience
would not permit it to be done. He was afraid his decision might have a
bad effect upon the young man, that it might even turn him from the
paths of rectitude in which he had trodden for many months; but he
trusted to himself and the co-operation of the other three members of
the "Big Four" to save him from any such disaster.

The barge and the first cutter were manned at the gangway, and the party
went on shore, prepared by what the commander had said to them to
understand what they were to see. Captain Ringgold was obliged to visit
the Parsee merchants, while an army officer who had been presented to
them showed them about the town. They found everything they could
possibly desire at the shops (not stores on British territory). Louis
procured the vehicles, and they all rode out to the fortifications,
where they were greatly interested, especially in the water tanks, which
have a capacity of nearly eight million gallons. The officer was
exceedingly polite, not alone because the reputation of the wealth of
the young millionaire had gone out before him, but because this is the
rule with well-bred English people.

He was re-enforced by others, and the ladies had all the beaux they
could manage; and Miss Blanche could have had all of them if she had not
chosen to cling to Louis Belgrave. They were all invited to dinner in
the cabin of the Guardian-Mother, and Mr. Sage was informed of the fact
before he returned to the ship.

Before noon the Maud had been sold for four times the sum she had cost,
to the Parsees, who wanted her very badly to ply between steamers and
the shore in prosecuting their trade. Out of the price to be received
was deducted that of the four guns and a liberal supply of ammunition of
all descriptions.

CHAPTER XXXIV

THE SUSPICIOUS WHITE STEAMER AT ADEN

Captain Ringgold had sold the little steamer for four times what she had
cost the owners, but still for less than her value, for she was an
exceptionally strong and handsome craft. On the other hand, he had
purchased the naval material for "a mere song;" for it was not available
for a man-of-war in modern times, and not of the kind used in the naval
or military forces of England.

The commander had been a young naval officer from the beginning of the
War of the Rebellion, and had attained the grade of lieutenant, so that
he was a judge of the material he bou